Smart vehicle sun visor

ABSTRACT

A vehicle sun visor system with a touch screen display is configured to display video feed from one or more cameras. A front facing polarized and/or photochromic camera shows the area of view which is normally blocked by the deployed sun visor, allowing the user to view traffic lights, road signs, etc. without the distraction of glare. Software image processing may also be used to reduce glare and improve visibility. In addition, the sun visor system also has a “see-me” camera which allows the user to use the screen as a mirror, and one or more rear-view cameras which can be used to see the passenger area of a vehicle through the touch-screen display. Any of the cameras may be used to take photos or videos, which may be viewed on the display and transmitted wirelessly to other electronic devices or cloud storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/623,368 entitled “Vehicle Sun Visor with a Multi-FunctionalTouch Screen with Multiple Camera Views and Photo Video Capability”filed on Feb. 16, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/052,475, entitled “Replace mirror on thevehicle's sun visor with multi-functional LED touch screen that displaysmultiple webcams and has photo video upload capability” filed on Sep.19, 2014. This application also claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/220,966, entitled “Enhanced vehicle sunvisor with a multi-functional touch screen with multiple camera viewsand photo video capability” filed on Sep. 19, 2015. The contents of allof the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a vehicle sun visor system with abuilt-in touch screen display for viewing video feed from one or morecameras. A front facing polarized camera shows the area of view which isnormally blocked by the sun visor when it is deployed. In addition, thesun visor system also has a “see-me” camera which allows the user to usethe screen as a mirror, and one or more rear-view cameras which can beused to see the passenger area of a vehicle through the touch-screendisplay. In addition, the sun visor system also has a videochat/conference functionality which allows the users to talk andshare/exchange their video, i.e. any of the sun visor's camera views, inreal-time with anyone else in the world that have video chat capabledevices.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the most sophisticated use of a vehicle sun visor involvesnothing more than placing a vanity mirror on one side. When in use,current sun visors, while blocking out glare, eliminate a portion of thevehicle exterior from view, often forcing drivers to lift the sun visorin order to gain visibility of traffic lights or road signs ahead. Also,the currently existing mirrors on the vehicle's sun visors only displaythe person sitting inside the vehicle in front of that sun visor.However, such existing sun visor mirrors don't display the oppositedirection i.e. view external to the vehicle, or in other words, view infront of the vehicle. Also, as mentioned above, the existing sun visormirrors don't display any other passengers that aren't visible in thedirect view i.e. in front of that sun visor. In addition, the existingsun visor mirrors also don't have the ability to take photos/videos andbe able to upload them to a central location. Here are some scenariosthat further explain these shortcomings of the existing sun visormirrors.

There are many people who pull down the vehicle's sun visor to eitheravoid the bright sunlight during the day or to avoid the glare comingfrom other vehicles during the night. However, when such people areeither driving or waiting in their vehicles, either during the day orthe night, with their sun visor down, and if they wanted to see thetraffic light, informational boards, street names, or other similarinformation, which is usually posted higher up, then those people oftenhave to get that external information either by looking from the sidesof their sun visor or sometimes even have to pull up their sun visorsaltogether to access that external information. In this case, since thecurrently existing mirrors on the vehicle's sun visors only display theview inside the vehicle and not the opposite direction i.e. the viewexternal to the vehicle, so the existing mirrors on the sun visors don'thelp, and therefore, the vehicle's passengers often have to look at thebright sunlight or the glare in order to access the external informationthat's usually displayed higher up on the roads.

Since the existing sun visor mirrors also don't intend to display anyother passengers except the person sitting in front of that sun visor,an individual who wants to look at the other passengers, especially therear passengers, either has to look using special curved mirror that'susually located in the center of the vehicle, or turn around, or evenmove up and down their seat in order to create a correct angle for beingable to view the other passengers using their vehicle's sun visor or thecentral rear view mirror. In short, the existing sun visor mirrors don'tprovide an easy way to be able to view the other passengers that mightbe sitting in the vehicle.

Also, the existing sun visor mirrors don't have the ability to takephotos/videos of the passengers or to upload those photos/videos toonline albums using built-in Wi-Fi, cellular, or to share thosephotos/videos with another device like smartphone, computer, etc. usingBluetooth. Many people spend a lot of time travelling and usually thereare very minimal photos/videos taken during their travel in the vehicle.Since the existing mirrors don't have this feature to take photos/videosfor the passengers sitting in the vehicle, those travelling moments areoften never captured. Also, the existing sun visor mirrors don't havethe video chat/conference functionality, which can allow the users totalk and share/exchange their videos in real-time with anyone else inthe world that have video chat capable devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sunvisor device which allows the user to see the area around the vehiclewhich is blocked when the sun visor is deployed with polarization orglare reduction.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotivevisualization system comprises: a first camera, a display apparatusplaced within view of a user of the vehicle, a computer processor,non-volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configuredto: receive a first image from the first camera, display the first imageon the display apparatus in real time, and a switching mechanismconfigured to cause the display apparatus to turn on and/or off inresponse to the switching mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first camera isplaced in a position that faces toward the front of a vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first camera ispositioned in a vehicle sun visor such that, when the sun visor isdeployed, the camera faces toward the front of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is a display screen and the display screen is mounted on orconfigured to be mounted on a vehicle sun visor such that when the sunvisor is deployed, the display screen faces toward a user of the sunvisor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system further comprises: a rechargeable battery, and ahousing configured to contain the first camera, the display apparatus,the computer processor, and the non-volatile computer memory in the formfactor of a tablet PC, wherein the housing is configured to bedetachable from the vehicle sun visor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system is configured to interface with a Head Up Display,wherein the computer instructions are further configured to: send thefront image for display on the Head Up Display, turn off the displayapparatus when the Head Up Display is in use, and turn on the displayapparatus in response to a user action in order to receive additionaluser inputs.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to keep the display apparatus on,while the Head Up Display is in use, in response to a predetermined userinput.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cameraproduces a front image that is a polarized front image.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system further comprises a photochromic lens.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to: process the front image toremove glare.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system further comprises: a second camera placed in aposition that faces toward a user of a vehicle sun visor, wherein thedisplay is configured to display a user image of the user, produced bythe second camera, in response to a command entered by the user.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to capture images produced by thefirst camera and/or the second camera.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system further comprises: a microphone; and the computerinstructions are further configured to record video produced by thefirst camera and/or the second camera and capture audio produced by themicrophone.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to automatically transfer capturedimages to another location over a wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to automatically delete the capturedimages that have been transferred to another location.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to provide a graphical userinterface in a display area of the display apparatus, the graphical userinterface comprising: a camera image viewing region centrally located inthe display area, a view selection region, displayed on a first side ofthe display area, for selecting among the views produced by the camerasof the system, and a user action region, displayed on a second side ofthe display area, made up of one or more user action areas comprising: auser action area for capturing images, a user action area for viewingcaptured images, a user action area for accessing system settings, and auser action area for adjusting brightness.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system further comprises: one or more rear cameras placedin a position that faces a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and thedisplay apparatus is configured to display a rear view produced by theone or more rear cameras, in response to user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to capture images and/or videoproduced by the first camera and/or at least one of the one or more rearcameras.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is configured to: display multiple rear views in a split viewmode displaying each of the multiple rear views in a separate section ofthe display apparatus simultaneously; and the computer instructions arefurther configured to switch to an enlarged view of one of the multiplerear views in response to user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisualization system further comprises: a rear seat sensor that candetect rear facing passengers sitting on the rear seat.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear seatsensor is embedded within the rear camera.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more rearcamera is further configured to capture the rear facing passengersitting in the rear seat; and the display apparatus is furtherconfigured to display the rear facing passenger sitting in the rearseat.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is configured to: display multiple rear camera viewsdisplaying both the rear facing passengers and the front facingpassengers sitting on the rear seats of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to: adjust focus and/or zoom of atleast one of the one or more rear cameras in response to user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to: save a focus and/or zoom levelas a default camera setting, wherein a separate default camera settingis stored for each of the one or more rear cameras, and wherein thedefault camera setting is used each time the rear view of the camera towhich the default camera setting belongs is displayed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus acts as a regular mirror when the LCD within the displayapparatus is turned off using the switching mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user of thevehicle can use voice commands to operate the automotive visualizationsystem.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system comprises: a housing; a first camera positioned on a firstside of the housing; a display apparatus on a second side of thehousing; a computer processor; non-volatile computer memory storingcomputer instructions configured to: receive a first image from thefirst camera, display the first image on the display apparatus in realtime; and a switching mechanism configured to cause the displayapparatus to turn on and/or off in response to the switching mechanism,wherein the housing is mounted or configured to be mounted on theceiling of a vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotiveaudio visual system further comprises: a second camera positioned on thesecond side of the housing, a microphone, and wherein the computerinstructions are further configured to: receive a second image from thesecond camera, and display the second image on the display apparatus inreal time.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotiveaudio visual system further comprises: a second camera positionedelsewhere in or on the vehicle, an external camera interface tointerface with the second camera, and wherein the computer instructionsare further configured to: receive a second image from the secondcamera, and display the second image on the display apparatus in realtime.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first camera isconfigured to produce a polarized first image.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user of thevehicle can use voice commands to operate the automotive audio visualsystem.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotivevisual system for monitoring traffic signals, road signs, and such froma motor vehicle, where the visual system comprises: a vehicle having awindshield, a camera positioned behind the windshield, and the camerafacing toward the front of the vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotivevisual system further comprises: a head up display, and a front imageand/or video captured by the camera is displayed on the head up display.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system comprises: a sunvisor, a display apparatus installed onsunvisor such that when the sunvisor is deployed, display apparatusfaces a user of the sunvisor and a camera configured to face the user ofthe sunvisor at least when the sunvisor is deployed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sunvisor isdetachable from a vehicle to which the sunvisor is attached.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotiveaudio visual system further comprises: non-volatile computer memorystoring computer instructions configured to: receive an image and/orvideo from the camera, display the image and/or video on the displayapparatus in real time, and capture images and/or videos produced by thecamera in response to user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to automatically transfer capturedimages and/or videos to another location over a wireless connection.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotiveaudio visual system further comprises: a switching mechanism configuredto cause the display apparatus to turn on and/or off in response to theswitching mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus on the sun visor acts as a regular mirror when the LCD withinthe display apparatus is turned off using the switching mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system comprises: a first camera, a display apparatus placedwithin view of a user of the vehicle, a computer processor, amicrophone, a mechanism configured to turn on and/or off the video chatfunctionality.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system further comprises: ability to send video chat request tovideo chat recipients

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system further comprises: non-volatile computer memory storingcomputer instructions configured to: send video feed from the firstcamera to the video chat recipients in real time, display the video chatrecipients' video feed on the display apparatus in real time, exchangeaudio between the video chat recipients and the user of the vehicle inreal time.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first camera isplaced in a position that faces toward a user of a vehicle sun visor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first camera ispositioned in a vehicle sun visor such that, when the sun visor isdeployed, the camera faces toward the user of the vehicle sun visor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is a display screen and the display screen is mounted on orconfigured to be mounted on a vehicle sun visor such that when the sunvisor is deployed, the display screen faces toward a user of the sunvisor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotiveaudio visual system further comprises: a second camera placed in aposition that faces toward the front of a vehicle, and the display isconfigured to display surrounding front image or video of the vehicle,produced by the second camera, in response to a command entered by theuser.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to capture images and/or videoproduced by the first camera and/or the second camera.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the automotiveaudio visual system further comprises: one or more rear cameras placedin a position that faces a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and thedisplay apparatus is configured to display a rear view produced by theone or more rear cameras, in response to user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the computerinstructions are further configured to capture images and/or videoproduced by the first camera and/or one or more rear cameras.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system comprises: a display apparatus placed within view of auser of the vehicle, one or more rear cameras placed in a position thatfaces a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and the display apparatus isconfigured to display real time rear view produced by one or more rearcameras.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is mounted on or configured to be mounted on ceiling of thevehicle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is configured to: display multiple rear views in a split viewmode displaying each of the multiple rear views in a separate section ofthe display apparatus simultaneously, and the computer instructions arefurther configured to switch to an enlarged view of one of the multiplerear views in response to user input.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automotive audiovisual system further comprises: a rear seat sensor that can detect rearfacing passengers sitting on the rear seat

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear seatsensor is embedded within the rear camera.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more rearcamera is further configured to capture the rear facing passengersitting in the rear seat, and the display apparatus is furtherconfigured to display the rear facing passenger sitting in the rearseat.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displayapparatus is configured to: display multiple rear camera viewsdisplaying both the rear facing passengers and the front facingpassengers sitting on the rear seats of the vehicle.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention includes an apparatus of anaudiovisual system, either built-in or retrofitted to a vehicle sunvisor, allowing the driver and front passenger to regain visibility ofthe portion of the vehicle's external environment blocked from view whenthe sun visor is in use. This audiovisual system is alternativelyreferred to as an automotive visualization system. It also enables themto digitally view themselves and rear passengers, and also otheradditional camera views can be integrated or interfaced with the system.In addition, it also enabled them to take and upload videos and imagesof vehicle's internal and external environment by manipulating andcommunicating with a system of cameras from a tablet-like touch screendevice that's built-in or retrofitted on the vehicle sun visors.

While the illustrated embodiments are primarily directed as originalbuilt-in equipment on a vehicle sun visor, it is within the spirit andscope of the invention to be able to retrofit the disclosed apparatus onexisting vehicle sun visors as well.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention not only adds audiovisualsystems on the vehicle's sun visors but also returns visibility to theportion of the vehicle environment that is blocked by use of the sunvisor. It allows the user to not only view things in the vehicle'sexternal environment that would be otherwise blocked by the sun visor,but also to enhance that view by using glare reduction and other imageprocessing tools. In addition, it also allows the user to digitally viewthemselves and the rear passengers, and also other additional cameraviews can be integrated or interfaced with the system (For example:‘Rear polarized view’ camera can also be displayed on the sun visor'sLCD touch screen, so when the vehicle is being reversed, it woulddisplay the rear view of the vehicle on the sun visor's LCD touchscreen, and that view would also be auto polarized and autophotochromic.) Moreover, it also allows the user to capture and storevideo and images, both within the vehicle and in the vehicle's externalenvironment, allowing users to memorialize their trips.

Finally, the sun visor provides a convenient center for control andmanipulation of such a system, allowing a driver to easily view both theexternal environment and interior of the vehicle by manipulatingconveniently placed controls without turning or struggling with the sunvisor thereby minimizing distractions during driving.

The invention is comprised of three major elements: a tablet like devicecontaining a touch screen, a computer programmed to communicate with anddisplay images/video, and a system of cameras placed within and/oroutside the vehicle. The tablet like touch screen device is built-in orretrofitted to the vehicle's sun visors. Multiple cameras, eitherembedded on the sun visors' touch screen device itself or placed atdifferent locations in the vehicle, allows to capture different viewscomprising the following: a “polarized front” view, which is the view ofthe external environment in front of the vehicle, a portion of which isusually hidden while the sun visor is in use; a “see me” view, which isthe view of the person seated in the vehicle directly in front of thesun visor; and a “rear passengers” view, which is the view of passengersseated on the back seats of the vehicle; and there can also be otheradditional cameras that can be integrated or interfaced with this system(For example: ‘Rear polarized view’ camera can also be displayed on thesun visor's LCD touch screen, so when the vehicle is being reversed, itwould display the rear view of the vehicle on the sun visor's LCD touchscreen, and that view would also be auto polarized and autophotochromic.) The tablet like touch screen device contains softwaremodules enabling the user to switch between cameras, zoom-in on certainportions of the displayed camera views, take and view images/videos,delete stored images/videos, enhance the images displayed, auto shareimages/videos with other devices, auto upload images/videos to onlineservices and auto delete images/videos by simply manipulating controlsand settings displayed on the touch screen.

In summary, the illustrated embodiments can now be understood to includean audiovisual monitoring system on a vehicle sun visor comprising: a“polarized front” view camera configured to capture view of a vehicle'sexternal environment, a portion of which is typically blocked when thesun visor is in use; a “see me” view camera configured to capture viewof the person sitting in front of the sun visor; a “rear passengers”view camera or a set of such cameras configured to capture view of thepassengers sittings in the back seats of the vehicle; other potentialcamera views, a computer communicating with and controlling the cameras;and a tablet like LCD touch screen device electronically communicated tothe computer and displaying the views captured by the cameras.

The computer is controlled by software allowing a user to communicate tothe computer by manipulating controls appearing on the touch screen.

The computer is controlled by software allowing a user to direct thecomputer to selectively display a view from either the polarized frontview, see me, or rear passengers view cameras onto the LCD touch screen.

The audiovisual monitoring system further includes a memory forcapturing an image and/or video from the polarized front view, see me,or rear passengers view cameras.

The computer includes a software module therein for selectivelycontrolling touch screen brightness.

The computer includes a software module therein for selectivelygenerating a “Take Photos/Videos” control signal directed to a selectedcamera.

The computer includes a software module therein for selectivelygenerating a “Save Settings” control signal directed to each camera.

The computer includes a software module therein for generating a “ResetSettings” control signal directed to each camera.

The computer includes a software module therein for selectivelygenerating a zoom in/out control signal directed to the selected camera.

The computer includes a software module therein to enable/disableconnectivity features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc.

The computer includes a software module therein for generating an “autoupload/share” signal for the photos/videos stored on the sun visor's LCDtouch screen device.

The computer includes a software module therein for generating an ‘Autodelete after share/upload’ signal for the photos/videos stored on sunvisor's LCD touch screen device.

The computer includes a software module therein to allow the user to setthe ‘Default webcam/camera’ view, which would be displayed whenever thesun visor's LCD touch screen is turned on.

The computer includes a software module therein to automatically turn onthe sun visor's LCD touch screen display when the sun visor cover ispulled up/opened and automatically turn off the sun visor's LCD touchscreen display when the sun visor cover is pulled down/closed.

The “polarized front” view camera includes a lens therein that is bothauto-polarized and auto-photochromic, and there would also be softwaremodules present on computer that can apply the polarization andphotochromic effects.

The audio visual monitoring system further includes a vehicle head-updisplay (HUD) system, and wherein the computer includes a softwaremodule for communicating with the vehicle head-up display (HUD) system.(Note: Purpose of the head-up display (HUD) system is to projectinformation (‘camera views’, photos/videos, etc.) on the windshield ofthe vehicle. In some cases, even a special glass is used on thewindshield, so the projected information from the ‘HUD display’ seems tobe further away i.e. after the hood of the vehicle, avoiding anydistraction for the driver.)

The computer includes a software module enabling a camera view that'sdisplayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen or the storedphotos/videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screen to be displayed on thehead-up display (HUD) system. This functionality would allow the usersto keep looking straight on their windshield itself, and they would nothave to look at the sun visor's LCD touch screen display for differentcamera views or the stored photos/videos.

The computer includes a software module that selectively shuts down thesun visor's LCD touch screen after a predetermined time period while theHUD system is activated.

The computer includes a software module therein to manually turn on thesun visor's LCD touch screen, after it's shut down due to activation ofthe HUD system, by tapping on that sun visor's LCD touch screen with afinger/hand. (Note: In this case, the sun visor's LCD touch screen wouldturn on for a predetermined short time period and then turn off again.)

The computer includes a software module therein to keep the sun visor'sLCD touch screen display continuously turned on, while the HUD displayis already on, by pressing continuously on the sun visor's LCD touchscreen for a predetermined time period.

The computer includes a software module therein to enable videochat/conference functionality on the sun visor system, which would allowthe users to talk and share/exchange their video, i.e. any of the sunvisor's camera views, in real-time with anyone else in the world thathave video chat capable devices.

The tablet like LCD touch screen device on the sun visor includes the‘Polarized front view’ camera on the device itself, ‘See me’ camera onthe device itself, an on/off switch to either turn on or turn off thetouch screen display, a speaker for playback of stored videos, a volumecontrol to increase or decrease the volume for playback of any storedvideos, a headphone jack for individual listening to audio of any storedvideos, a microphone for recording the audio in the videos, and anAudio/video out/Digital terminal that would allow the user to connect toa computer using a USB data cable and transfer any photos/videos storedon the sun visor's LCD touch screen device. Note: The above mentionedfeatures on the sun visor's LCD touch screen device are just forexemplary purposes, however, as technology advances in future,additional ports and/or options can be added to this LCD touch screendevice to enhance the use of these devices.

The system described above would continue to work/function even when thevehicle isn't turned on i.e. the sun visor's LCD touch screen devicewould run using its built-in rechargeable battery in this case, andbattery symbol would be displayed on its LCD touch screen to indicatethe amount of remaining battery.

The tablet like LCD touch screen device on the sun visor would bedetachable, so any of the audio visual monitoring system functions whileattached to the vehicle's sun visor would also continue to work whilethe LCD touch screen device is detached. Note: While detached, the sunvisor's LCD touch screen device would continue to work using itsbuilt-in rechargeable battery, and battery symbol would be displayed onits LCD touch screen to indicate the amount of remaining battery.

While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake ofgrammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expresslyunderstood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by theconstruction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accordedthe full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition providedby the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in thecase where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are tobe accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The disclosurecan be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram which illustrates the multi-functional LCD touchscreen device built into both the driver side and the front passengerside sun visors, which would replace the existing sun visor mirrors. Inaddition, it also illustrates the exemplary locations of the camerasthat would be installed for the ‘Polarized front view’, ‘See me view’and the ‘Rear passengers view’.

FIG. 2A is a diagram which illustrates the view displayed when the‘Polarized front view’ camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touchscreen. In addition, it also illustrates some of the commonfunctions/features of the sun visor's touch screen display. For example:ability to take and upload photos/videos of any camera views using ‘TakePhoto/Video’ button, ability to review photos/videos of any camera viewsusing ‘Review Photos/Videos’ button, ability to access general settingsusing ‘Settings’ button, ability to reduce bright light on screen using‘Brightness adjuster’, ability to close the sun visor using a sunvisor's cover, etc.

FIG. 2B is a diagram which shows the ‘polarized front view’ camera onthe sun visor's touch screen display from outside the vehicle. As shown,this camera would be externally facing and therefore visible from infront of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a diagram which illustrates the view captured when the ‘See meview’ camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen. This ‘Seeme’ camera would be displayed on the screen when a user taps on the ‘Seeme’ button that's available on the left side of the sun visor's touchscreen display.

FIG. 4A is a diagram which illustrates the view captured by a single‘Rear passengers’ camera when the “rear passenger view” camera isselected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen.

FIG. 4B is a diagram which illustrates the view captured when ‘Rearpassengers’ camera is selected on the sun visor's LCD touch screen wherethere are multiple ‘rear passenger view’ cameras installed in thevehicle. This figure shows that since there are multiple rear passengercameras installed in the vehicle for displaying either single rearpassenger row or multiple rear passenger rows, therefore, the mainscreen would be automatically split (either vertically and/orhorizontally) on the ‘Rear Passengers’ camera view and would display allthe ‘Rear passengers’ cameras. (Note: If the user wants to enlarge oneof the rear passenger cameras, then they would be able to double tap onthat camera view on the touch screen display to enlarge it. However, ifthe user wants to restore an already enlarged rear passenger camera,then they would be able to double tap on that camera view on the touchscreen display to restore it again i.e. all rear passenger cameras wouldbe visible again on the screen.)

FIG. 5 is a diagram which illustrates the zoom software module. Asshown, the software module would allow the user to slide two fingersacross the LCD touch screen to zoom in or out of a portion of thecurrently displayed camera view/image. It also illustrates that if auser touches the sun visor's touch screen display while a camera view isdisplaying on the screen, then the following two options ‘Savesettings’, ‘Reset settings’ would automatically appear at the top of thescreen for approximately 10 seconds and then those options woulddisappear after those 10 seconds until the user taps/touches the screenagain. (Exception: If there were multiple rear passenger camerasdisplaying on the sun visor's touch screen for the ‘Rear passengers’view, then the ‘Save settings’ and ‘Reset settings’ options would bedisabled on that screen.) ‘Save settings’ option would allow the user tosave any settings for an individual camera view and those settings wouldbe automatically applied in future whenever the user opens that cameraview again. Example of settings that would be saved: brightness, zoomin, zoom out, camera angle for top, left, bottom, right, etc. ‘Resetsettings’ option would allow the user to reset any settings previouslystored for an individual camera view back to their original settings.Example of settings that would be reset: brightness, zoom in, zoom out,camera angle for top, left, bottom, right, etc.

FIG. 6 is a diagram which illustrates the display presented on the LCDscreen when the ‘Review Photos/Videos’ control is selected on the sunvisor's LCD touch screen. This screen would allow the users to view anyphotos or videos that were previously taken by that device. Also, therewould be options available on this screen to either view photos/videosin a slideshow, ability to delete all photos/videos or manuallyshare/upload individual photos/videos.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary ‘Settings’ screen on the sun visor'smulti-functional touch screen device. This screen would allow the usersto either setup or enable/disable features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth orCellular. Also, there would be additional options like ‘Autoshare/upload photos videos’, ‘Auto delete after share/upload’, ‘Defaultwebcam/camera’, etc.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary ‘Auto share/upload settings’ screen,which is sub-part of the ‘Settings’ screen on the sun visor'smulti-functional touch screen device. This screen would allow the usersto either setup ‘Auto share’ or ‘Auto upload’ options for photos/videoson the device.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of the sun visor'smulti-functional touch screen device. The following options would beavailable on the side view—an on/off switch to either turn on or turnoff the touch screen display, a speaker for playback of stored videos, avolume control to increase or decrease the volume for playback of anystored videos, a headphone jack for individual listening to audio of anystored videos, a microphone for recording of audio while taking videos,and an Audio/video out/Digital terminal that would allow the user toconnect to a computer using a USB data cable and transfer photos/videosstored on the sun visor's LCD touch screen device. Note: The abovementioned features on the side of the sun visor's LCD touch screendevice are just for exemplary purposes, however, as technology advancesin future, additional ports and/or options can be added to this LCDtouch screen device to enhance the use of these devices.

FIG. 9 is a diagram which illustrates the operation of the system inconnection to a Head-up Display system installed within the vehicle.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of the power connection from the sun visor deviceinto the vehicle's power system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an exemplary video chat/conference functionalityavailable on the sun visor LCD screen, which allows the users to talkand share/exchange their video, i.e. any of the sun visor's cameraviews, in real-time with anyone else in the world that have video chatcapable devices.

FIG. 12 is a diagram which illustrates how the sun visor system can usethe rear seat sensor and the rear seat cameras to detect and capture therear facing passengers sitting in the rear facing child seat as well asthe front facing rear passengers sitting in the rear row of the vehicle.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an exemplary ‘Rear passengers’ view on the sunvisor's LCD screen, which not only shows the image of the child sittingin a rear facing child seat, but at the same time, also shows image ofother rear seat passengers that are facing towards the front of thevehicle.

FIG. 14 is a diagram which illustrates an exemplary sensor in the centerof the chest clip of the rear facing child car seat and the front facingchild car seat, wherein if the chest clip of car seat is buckled, thenthe sensor gets activated and communicates that information to thevehicle computer, which further instructs the vehicle sun visor todisplay the ‘Child seat’ view or the ‘Rear passenger’ view on itsdisplay screen.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of an exemplary ‘Child seat’ view on the sunvisor's LCD screen, which displays an image of any of the childrensitting in either the rear facing child seat or the front facing childseat within the vehicle.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary ‘Front passengers’ view on the sunvisor's LCD screen, which displays the image of the passengers sittingin the front row. Such ‘Front passengers’ view would be usually viewedby the rear seat passengers, either front facing rear passengers or therear facing rear passengers, on their rear seat sun visors, however, the‘Front passengers’ view can also be viewed by a front passenger to seeanother passenger sitting in front row if they don't want to turn andsee that front row passenger.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary alert banner on the top of the sunvisor's LCD screen to alert the vehicle users that a child is stillsitting in car seat while the vehicle's ignition is turned off.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary panel of solar cells at the back of sunvisors available in the vehicle, which can help to charge the sun visorsystem using solar charging.

FIG. 19 illustrates a sun visor device with a two-way mirror orsometimes also referred as a one-way mirror, which looks transparent butis partially reflective and partially transparent, attached/embedded inthe front of the sun visor device, and a LCD installed behind thattwo-way mirror, wherein if the LCD is turned on or activated using aswitching mechanism, then the LCD screen would be visible through thetwo-way mirror attached in front of the sun visor device. Figure alsodisplays an exemplary capacitive touch screen sensor within the sunvisor device, wherein if the user touches the two-way mirror on the sunvisor, then it would capture those touch actions and transmit thoseactions to the LCD.

FIG. 20 is a diagram which illustrates that a sun visor system can alsocomprise of a smart device holder, wherein a smart device such assmartphone, tablet, etc, which have a display screen, can be mounted orattached to the sun visor using the said smart device holder.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of an exemplary ‘Dashboard’ page/screen on the LCDdisplay area of the sun visor, wherein it illustrates that the sun visorsystem can also have the vehicle's common dashboard features or systemsintegrated in it such as navigation system, back up camera or rearcamera view, radio, music, games, phone, apps, gauges, messages, virtualreality, etc would be accessible via the said ‘Dashboard’ page/screen onthe sun visor system. A user would be able to select the ‘Dashboard’button in the left navigation area of the sun visor system, which wouldopen the ‘Dashboard’ page/screen in the view area of the sun visorsystem.

FIG. 22 illustrates that the sun visor system can also have an ‘Apps’page/screen available on the LCD display screen of the sun visor, whichwould display a list or icons of integrated applications such asFacebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc on that sun visor's display screen. Thesaid integrated applications can also be opened on the said LCD displayscreen of the sun visor.

FIG. 23 illustrates that the sun visor system can also have ‘Gauges’page/screen available on the LCD display screen of the sun visor, whichwould display a list or icons of integrated gauges such as speedometer,odometer, fuel gauge, electric charge, tachometer, pressure gauge, etc.on the said display screen of the sun visor system. Users will be ableto click on any of the available gauges to see more details about thatgauge on the sun visor's display screen itself.

FIG. 24 illustrates that the display apparatus on the sun visor can beconnected to the sun visor using a retractable wire on one end, whereinif the user wants then they can pull the tablet like display apparatusout of the sun visor closer to them, and once they are done, then theretractable wire would pull the display apparatus back to its regularposition on the sun visor. There is also a clip or locking extension atthe opposite end of the display apparatus, which helps to clip or lockthe display apparatus on the sun visor. In addition, there is a releasebutton, wherein when the release button is pressed, it would unclip orunlock the sun visor's display apparatus from the sun visor from one ofthe sides, however, the other side would still remain connected to thesun visor using the said retractable wire.

FIG. 25 illustrates that when a user buckles their seat belt, which hasa sensor installed in the seat belt buckle, then the sun visor can beconfigured to automatically comes down or be deployed and alsoautomatically opens the cover of the sun visor, which in turn causes thedisplay screen of the sun visor to turn on.

FIG. 26 illustrates that a sun visor device or the sun visor can have avirtual reality headset attached to it using a hinge mechanism, whereinthe hinge mechanism would comprise of one or multiple hinges installedat the bottom of the sun visor device or the sun visor itself, and therewould be a connecting rod that's connected to the said hinge mechanismon one end and connected to virtual reality headset on the other end.Using the hinge mechanism, the virtual reality headset can be eitherstowed at the back of the sun visor, or the virtual reality headset canalso be brought in front of the sun visor and used in conjunction witheither the sun visor's display screen or the smart device attached tothe sun visor.

FIG. 27 illustrates that if the user touches two fingers on the displayscreen of the sun visor device and then rotates the fingers clockwise,then the user would be able to increase the brightness on the sun visordevice's display screen rather than having to go and touch the specificbrightness control button that's available on the sun visor system. Inother words, based on specific or preset movement of either individualor simultaneous fingers on different parts of the display screen of thesun visor device, a user would be able to execute different functionswithin the sun visor system.

FIG. 28 illustrates that the sun visor system can comprise of anon-touch selfie function, which would allow the users to take selfiephotos/videos without even touching the photo/video button on the sunvisor device. Using either a single or combination of hand gestures, auser would be able to instruct the camera associated with the sun visordevice to take the selfie photo/video after a few seconds (for example:5 seconds) once instructed. In addition, a hand gesture can alsocomprise be raising of the hand or hands with a specific number offingers raised, wherein the number of fingers raised would indicate thenumber of seconds that the camera associated with sun visor deviceshould wait before taking the selfie photo/video. For example: as shownin the figure, when both hands with a total of six fingers are raised,then the camera associated with sun visor device would wait six secondsbefore taking the selfie photo/video.

FIG. 29 illustrates that the sun visor device can also have a biggerdisplay screen that can extend beyond the sun visor, wherein the saiddisplay screen on the said sun visor device would be foldable and/orunfoldable. When the users want, they would be able to extend thedisplay screen by unfolding the screen on the sun visor device, and oncethe users are done using the extended display screen, they would be ableto fold the display screen back on the sun visor device. In addition,the said foldable display screen of the sun visor device would compriseof dual side screens, wherein even if the display screen of the sunvisor is folded in one or multiple folds, it would continue to show thedisplay on the screen whether it's the front or back of the foldeddisplay screen.

FIG. 30 illustrates that vehicle users can also wirelessly streamcontent from their smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc on tothe display screen of the sun visor device. Users will be able to selecteither specific applications from their smart device for streaming onthe sun visor's display screen, or the users will also be able to streamentire smart device's screen on the sun visor's display screen.

FIG. 31 illustrates that the sun visor device would automaticallydisplay a traffic light countdown timer (for example: ‘5 seconds togreen light’, ‘4 seconds to green light’, etc) on the display screen ofthe sun visor device when the vehicle is stopped at a red traffic light,wherein the traffic light countdown timer would inform the users howmuch time is remaining before the traffic light would turn green. Asshown in the figure, there is also a traffic light status image showingred, yellow and green lights, wherein the red light would be initiallyhighlighted on the display screen of the sun visor device, and then whenthe traffic light countdown timer reaches zero, then the traffic lightstatus image would automatically highlight the green light and removethe highlight from the red light.

FIG. 32 illustrates that the sun visor device can comprise of a notepadsoftware module, which would allow the users to write or take notes onthe display screen of the sun visor device either using the keyboardavailable on the sun visor's display screen or by directly handwritingon the display screen using a finger.

FIG. 33 illustrates that a sun visor device can be installed, embeddedor mounted in the middle or in between the sun visor. The said sun visorwould comprise of two layers, wherein the top layer would be connectedto the bottom layer using a hinge mechanism on one of the sides, and thetop layer would be temporarily attached to the bottom layer on theopposite side using an attaching mechanism such as a magnet,lock/release button, etc. The said top layer of the sun visor would actsimilar to the cover of the sun visor device, wherein once the sun visoris pulled down or deployed and the said top layer of the sun visor isunattached from the said bottom layer, then the sun visor device wouldbecome visible to the users.

The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understoodby turning to the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of theembodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that theembodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustratedembodiments described below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 1, this solution would replace the mirror on thevehicle's sun visor with multi-functional LCD touch screen device 102,104. Each of those LCD touch screen devices would have multiple built-incameras 106, 108 and an interface to external cameras 110, ability todisplay any of those camera views, ability to take pictures and videosand later view those on LCD touch screen, ability to share thosephotos/videos with another device or upload them to central location,and using auto polarization and auto photochromic lens on a camera aswell as using software module an ability to auto-reduce the glare orbright light, so the objects (for example: traffic lights) can beclearly visible on screen. Even for those vehicles that currently don'thave an existing mirror on their sun visors, this solution would add amulti-functional LCD touch screen display on those sun visors too.(Note: the size of the LCD touch screen display can either be the fullsize of the sun visor or can even be a small portion of that sun visor.)

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the camera has apolarized lens which allows the camera to capture a polarized image.Alternatively, the camera may have a polarized image sensor, or apolarizing filter may be affixed to the vehicle windshield or apolarizing film may be applied over the lens of the camera. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that any method of polarizingthe image captured by the camera could be used to achieve polarizationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is to be clearly understood that either a single LCD touch screendevice or a plurality of such devices built in or affixed to one or moresun visors and communicated with one or more of the cameras is alsowithin the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, it is to be clearlyunderstood that either a single or plurality of sun visors with LCDtouch screens can exist in any part of the vehicle i.e. front, back,right, left or top side of the vehicle, and that's within the scope andspirit of the invention. Please note that depending upon the side of thevehicle where the sun visor exists, some functionalities or camera viewson the sun visor's LCD touch screen devices might be different. Forexample: rear seat sun visors might not display the ‘rear passengers’camera view, instead it might display the front seat passengers usingone or more ‘front passenger’ cameras.

For reference, FIG. 1 also provides an illustrative interior view of avehicle containing the sun visor's visual system, including the othercomponents of the vehicle like steering wheel, center console, gearshifter, dashboard with dashboard accessories, rear-view mirror, andfront windshield.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more rearpassenger view cameras may be placed elsewhere in the vehicle andinterface with the sun visor device through a standard external camerainterface.

The external camera interface may be wired or wireless. A wired externalcamera interface may be USB, Firewire, a proprietary camera interface,or any other kind of interface. A wireless external camera interface maybe Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or any other standard or proprietarywireless communication protocol. One or ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that any external camera interface may be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, throughout thisspecification the invention described herein may be referred to as acomputer, system, sun visor device, automotive visualization systeminterchangeably. The user directs the system to perform variousavailable user actions. Throughout the specification and claims, useractions used to control the system may be referred to as commands,instructions, directions, input, gestures, or actions. These actions maybe performed by pressing buttons, turning knobs, moving sliders,touching the touch-sensitive screen of the device, double tapping,dragging, pinching, sliding or any other gestures commonly used tointeract with a touch screen-device. One or ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that any user action may be used to interact with thecomputer, sun visor device, or automotive visualization system.

The tablet like LCD touch screen devices 102 and 104 each consist of anLCD touch screen, several built-in cameras, interface to externalcameras and a computer communicated to the LCD touch screen. Thecomputer includes software modules stored in a memory therein allowing auser to manipulate controls displayed on the LCD touch screen to directthe operation of the system. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, included inthese software modules are programs allowing the user to select which ofthe camera views to display at any given time, direct a selected camerato capture still images or videos by selecting the “Take Photos/Videos”control 204 displayed on the LCD touch screen, display captured stillimages or videos by selecting the “Review Photos/Videos” control 206displayed on the LCD touch screen, adjust settings for each of thecameras by selecting the “Settings” control 208 displayed on the LCDtouch screen. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, included in the softwaremodules are programs allowing the user to save settings for each of thecameras by selecting the “Save Settings” control 502 displayed on theLCD touch screen, reset settings for each of the cameras by selectingthe “Reset Settings” control 504 displayed on the LCD touch screen, zoomin or out of a portion of the currently displayed camera view by slidingtwo fingers away from each other (to zoom-in) or toward each other (tozoom-out) on the desired portion of the view displayed on the LCD touchscreen as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B,software modules also include programs that allow the user toautomatically upload or share still images and/or video captured by eachcamera to an online account or a Bluetooth enabled device by activatingthe “auto upload/share” function. In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, forvehicles equipped with heads-up display systems 904, 906, the computerwould include software modules enabling the computer to display theselected camera view on the head-up display (HUD) system 904, 906,thereby minimizing distractions for the driver. In such a vehicle, thecomputer includes software modules that direct the sun visor's LCDscreen to shut down after a specified number of seconds while the HUDsystem 902 is activated, enable the user to direct the computer to turnthe LCD screen back on after it is shut down due to activation of theHUD system 902 by tapping the sun visor's LCD screen, and allowsimultaneous operation of the sun visor's LCD screen and the HUD systemby pressing continuously on the sun visor's LCD screen for a specificnumber of seconds.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the system providesa graphical user interface (GUI) which allows the user to interact withand control the system through a touch screen interface. The GUIincludes a selection region on the left side of the display with threesoftware buttons for switching between the different views, including afront view, a rear passenger view, and a “see me” view, which uses the“see me” camera to simulate a mirror. If more cameras are included orinterfaced with the sun visor system, a button will be present in theGUI for switching the view corresponding to that camera. One or ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that any number of buttons could beused without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. On the right side is a user action region containing actionareas for capturing images and videos, viewing captured images andvideos, accessing system settings, and adjusting brightness. In thecenter of the display area of the display apparatus, between the viewselection region and the user action region, is the image viewing area.The image viewing area displays the camera feed from any one or more ofthe available cameras, captured images, or other user control andsettings interfaces. Throughout this specification the term image orimages may refer to still images, video images, recorded images, or liveimages.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the systemautomatically transfers captured images and/or videos to anotherlocation over a wireless connection. The other location may be a centralserver providing a data storage or transmission service, a cellphone,tablet, another automotive visualization system in a nearby vehicle, orany other wireless device within communication range of the system. Thewireless connection may be Bluetooth, 802.11 Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE, orother wireless communication technologies. One or ordinary skill in theart would recognize that any wireless communication technology may beused to transfer captured images and/or videos without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the invention wouldinclude multiple set of cameras each displaying a specific camera view.By selecting the corresponding control displayed on the LCD touch screenon the tablet like device, the user directs the computer to displaystill images and/or video images from the selected camera onto the sunvisor's LCD touch screen. FIG. 2A depicts the view 203 displayed whenthe “polarized front view” control 202 is selected by the user, and inFIG. 2B, the polarized front view camera 216 is shown how it's visiblefrom the front of the vehicle. For this application, “polarized frontview” refers to a view of the vehicle environment located in front ofthe vehicle and including traffic lights, street signs, and trafficahead of the vehicle, which would typically be blocked when aconventional sun visor is in use. This camera has a lens that is bothauto polarized and auto photochromic, and there would also be softwaremodules on computer that can apply polarization and photochromic effectson the camera view. In the preferred embodiment, the “polarized frontview camera” 108 is placed near the bottom-center of the sun visor'stablet like device as shown in FIG. 1.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, polarization and/orphotochromic effects may be used to remove glare from the image capturedby the camera. Software may be used to apply polarization orphotochromic effects to remove glare produced by bright light sources inview of the camera. Other software methods, such as local dimming, orsoftware-implemented photographic filters may be used to reduce glare.One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any softwaremethod that reduces glare may be used to reduce glare without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention. One of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that the camera features ofpolarization and photochromic effects could be applied to any cameradescribed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera isinstalled in the back face of the sun visor which points toward theoutside of the vehicle when the sun visor is deployed. Deploying the sunvisor consists of moving the sun visor from an inactive position to anactive position, or a stowed position to an un-stowed position, or afolded position to an unfolded position. Although this position mightnot face the front of the vehicle when the sun visor is not in use, thecamera placed in the back of the sun visor would move into a positionthat faces the front of the vehicle whenever the sun visor is deployed.Alternatively the camera may be installed behind the rear view mirror,at the top of the windshield, outside the vehicle, or in the back sideof the device's display, pointing through the sun visor toward the frontof the vehicle. One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that acamera could be installed in any position that faces the front of thevehicle, even if it only faces the front of the vehicle at certaintimes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the camera isinstalled in the back face of the sun visor such that it moves into aposition that faces the toward front of the vehicle when the sun visoris deployed, a switching mechanism may be used to switch on the cameraand/or the display when the sun visor is deployed. The switchingmechanism, may be a mechanical button, a software button, an opticalsensor, a magnetic switch, a capacitive sensor or any kind of sensor orswitch capable of sending a signal or opening or closing a circuit whenthe sun visor is deployed. One or ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that any kind of switching mechanism could be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Theswitching mechanism may be positioned on the dashboard, on the steeringwheel, incorporated into the vehicle's computer user interface, placedin the ceiling, or built into the sun visor hinge. One or ordinary skillin the art would recognize that the switching mechanism could be placedanywhere without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switchingmechanism may also be used to activate the rear camera view or see-mecamera view. For the see-me camera in particular, the switchingmechanism may be incorporated into a cover or flap that covers thedisplay, such as the cover or flap that covers the mirror on atraditional sun visor. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat the switching mechanism, wherever it is placed, may be used toactivate any of the camera views available in the sun visor systemwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the LCD touchscreen may be substituted with any kind of display apparatus. This maybe an OLED screen, a plasma screen, an E-ink display, a Head Up Display,or any other kind of display. One or ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that any display apparatus may be used without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts the view 304 displayed when the “see me view” control 302is selected. For this application, “see me view” refers to a view of thefront-seated driver or the passenger, who is directly sitting in frontof that camera. In the preferred embodiment, this “see me camera” 106 isplaced near the top-center of the sun visor's tablet like device asdepicted in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict the view 404 displayed when the “rear passengerview” control 402 is selected. For this application, “rear passengerview” refers to a view of any of the rear-seated passengers. In thepreferred embodiment, this “rear passengers” camera is placed on theceiling/roof of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4B, the preferredembodiment includes multiple “rear passenger views” 406, 408, displayingthat the system is capable of showing an additional row of rear seatedpassengers where the vehicle has more than one row of rear seatedpassengers.

FIG. 5 shows a user operating the zoom function. The software modulewould allow a user to use two fingers to zoom in or out on a portion ofthe sun visor's LCD screen.

FIG. 6 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the “ReviewPhotos/Videos” module 602. A user would be able to view stored images ina slide show by selecting the slideshow control 608, share/uploadcontent using the “share/upload control 604, and delete all storedcontent using the delete all control 606.

Here are the common features that would be available on the sun visor'stouch LCD screen device regardless of which camera view is displayed onthe screen—

As shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4A, there would be buttonsavailable on the left side of the touch screen display (‘Polarized FrontView’ 202, ‘See me’ 302, ‘Rear passengers’ 402) to go to any of thecamera views. (Note: There can also be additional camera views that canbe integrated or interfaced with the sun visor's LCD touch screen deviceand displayed on it. For example: ‘Rear polarized view’ camera can alsobe displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen, so when the vehicle isbeing reversed, it would display the rear view of the vehicle on the sunvisor's LCD touch screen, and that view would also be auto polarized andauto photochromic.)

As shown in FIG. 5, on the sun visor's touch screen display, a userwould be allowed to touch and move the camera view up, down, right,left, or even zoom in or zoom out based on their needs. (Exception: Ifthe same rear passenger camera is connected to all the sun visors, thenwhen both the driver and the front passenger have ‘Rear passengers’camera up on their touch screen display, then only the first person thatopened the ‘Rear passengers’ camera would be allowed to move the cameraview up, down, right, left, or even zoom in or zoom out on their sunvisor's touch screen display. In this case, a note would be displayed tothe second person that they don't have permission to move the ‘Rearpassengers’ camera because it's already open on the other sun visor'stouch screen display, but they would at least be able to see the cameraview that the first person was already watching. For example: If thedriver had already opened one of the rear passenger cameras on their sunvisor's touch screen display, and thereafter, the front passenger alsotries to bring up that same rear passenger camera on their sun visor'stouch screen display, then the latter would still be able to view thecamera, however, all the options to move, zoom, etc. would be disabledfor the latter until the person that opened the rear passenger camerafirst closes it on their display). Note: To begin with, if there wereseparate rear passenger cameras attached to each sun visor, then therear passenger view functionality can also be independent on each sunvisor like the other camera views. In fact, the same concept would applyto any cameras that are connected to the sun visor's LCD touch screen.

As shown in FIG. 2A, on the sun visor's touch screen display, a userwould have the ability to adjust the brightness of the screen using abrightness adjuster 210, so they can avoid being distracted with brightlight while driving. Note: The brightness adjuster would have atransparent background on the sun visor's touch screen display for anyof the camera views.

As shown in FIG. 5, if a user touches the sun visor's touch screendisplay while a camera view is displaying on screen, then the followingtwo options ‘Save settings’ 502, ‘Reset settings’ 504 wouldautomatically appear at the top of the screen for a set amount of time,for example 10 seconds, and then those options would disappear afterthat time until the user taps/touches the screen again. (Exception: Ifthere are multiple rear passenger cameras displaying on the sun visor'stouch screen for the ‘Rear passengers’ view, then the ‘Save settings’and ‘Reset settings’ options would be disabled on that screen. Note:only when a user enlarges one of the rear passenger cameras by doubletapping on it, then the ‘Save settings’ and ‘Reset settings’ optionswould be re-enabled on the screen.) ‘Save settings’ option would allowthe user to save any settings for an individual camera view and thosesettings would be automatically applied in future whenever the useropens that camera view again. Some example of settings that would besaved include: brightness, zoom in, zoom out, camera angle for top,left, bottom, right, etc. ‘Reset settings’ option would allow the userto reset any settings previously stored for an individual camera viewback to their original settings. Some example of settings that would bereset include: brightness, zoom in, zoom out, camera angle for top,left, bottom, right, etc. Note: This functionality to save or reset thecamera view settings can also be easily extended to multiple users ifmore than one person were planning to use the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 2A, ‘Take Photo/Video’ option 204 would be available onthe sun visor's touch screen display, which would allow the users totake photos or videos of either of the camera views displayed on the sunvisor's LCD touch screen.

User would be allowed to select if they wish to take a photo or a videofor the displayed camera view. When ‘Photo’ option is selected that'snext to ‘Take Photo/Video’ control, it would allow the user to takephoto of the camera view that's visible on the touch screen display bysimply tapping once on the round circle above the ‘Photo’ button. When‘Video’ option is selected that's next to ‘Take Photo/Video’ control, itwould allow the user to take video of the camera view that's visible onthe touch screen display by simply tapping once on the round circleabove ‘Video’ button, which would start recording, and then another tapon the round circle above ‘Video’ button would stop recording.

There would be built-in memory on the sun visor's touch screen device(For example: 64 GB), which would allow to locally store photos andvideos taken by that device.

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 6, ‘Review Photos/Videos’ option 206, 602would be available on the sun visor's touch screen display, which wouldallow the users to view any photos or videos that were previously takenby that device. Note: some examples of the options available on the‘Review Photos/Videos’ screen would include an option to viewphotos/videos in a slideshow 608, ability to delete all photos/videos606, manually share/upload individual photos/videos 604, etc. Whilereviewing the individual photos/videos on the ‘Review Photos/Videos’screen, a user would be able to use Bluetooth, cellular or Wi-Fifeatures to either manually share the photos/videos to another device orupload them to central online location. Note: using the Bluetoothfeature, a user would also have the ability to manually sharephotos/videos from one sun visor's touch screen device to another sunvisor's touch screen device. In fact, even vehicles standing/drivingclose to each other would be able to connect with each other usingBluetooth, etc. and share photos/videos and display those on their sunvisor's LCD touch screen.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a sun visor's touch screen display wouldautomatically turn on when the sun visor cover 212 is pulled up/opened,and on the other hand, the sun visor's touch screen display wouldautomatically turn off when the sun visor cover 212 is pulleddown/closed.

As shown in FIG. 8, there would be an on/off switch 802 to either turnon or turn off the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.

As shown in FIG. 8, there would be a volume control 804 to increase ordecrease the volume for any videos playing on the sun visor's LCD touchscreen display.

As shown in FIG. 8, there would be a speaker 806 to listen to the audioof any videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.

As shown in FIG. 8, there would be a headphone jack 808 for individuallistening to audio of any videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screendisplay.

As shown in FIG. 8, there would be a microphone 810 to record the audioalong with the videos on the sun visor's LCD touch screen display.

As shown in FIG. 8, there would be Audio/video out/Digital terminal 812that would allow the user to connect to another computer device using aUSB data cable or other transfer means. Once the sun visor's touchscreen device and the other computer are connected, a user would be ableto transfer any photos/videos from sun visor's touch screen device tothat computer. (Note: It would be possible for a user to detach theentire sun visor or the sun visor's touch screen device from the vehicleand transfer any photos/videos from that sun visor's touch screen deviceto another computer using a USB connection or other available transfermeans.)

As shown in FIG. 10, the charging system for the sun visor device wouldmainly include the vehicle's alternator 1002, voltage regulator 1006,the vehicle battery 1004, a battery fuse 1008, a built-in rechargeablebattery 1014 on the sun visor device itself, and the associated wiringand its harness 1010.

While the vehicle's engine is running and the sun visor device isconnected to the sun visor hinge system 1012, the vehicle's alternator1002 would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device. However,if the capacity of the alternator 1002 is exceeded, then the vehicle'sbattery 1004 would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device,even though the vehicle's engine might be running. In this case, itwould be indicated to the user that the vehicle's battery 1004 is beingutilized to supply the power to the sun visor device.

If the vehicle's engine isn't running, however, the sun visor device isconnected to the sun visor hinge system 1012, then the vehicle's battery1004 would supply the necessary power to the sun visor device. Note: itwould also be indicated to the user that the vehicle's battery 1004 isbeing utilized to supply the power to the sun visor device. However, ifthe vehicle's battery 1004 is about to fully drain out i.e. no morecapacity, then rather than using the vehicle's battery 1004, the sunvisor device would use its built-in rechargeable battery 1014 eventhough the sun visor device is connected to the sun visor hinge system.In this case, it would be indicated to the user that the rechargeablebattery 1014 on the sun visor device itself is being utilized to supplythe power to the sun visor device.

If the sun visor device is no longer connected to the sun visor hingesystem 1012, then regardless if the vehicle's engine is running or not,the rechargeable batteries 1014 within the sun visor device would supplythe necessary power to the sun visor device. In addition, it would beindicated to the user that the rechargeable battery 1014 on the sunvisor device itself is being utilized to supply the power to the sunvisor device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, any power that'ssupplied to the sun visor device system would pass through the voltageregular 1006 to control the amount of voltage passed through. Similarly,there would also be a battery fuse 1008 to protect over current beingpassed through. Note: It is to be clearly understood that any othermechanisms to control the amount of voltage or current that's passedthrough to the sun visor device system would be within the scope andspirit of the invention. According to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the wiring 1010 from the alternator and the battery would runparallel through the sides of the engine, and then from the spaceavailable between the vehicle's side mirror and the front windshieldover to the dashboard of the vehicle, which would be further extended tosupply the power to the sun visor hinge system 1012 on the ceiling ofthe vehicle. Similarly, the associated wiring can also be extended tothe rear seat sun visors, if present. Note: It is to be clearlyunderstood that there are many different ways to run the wiring from thealternator and the battery to the sun visor device in a vehicle, andthat's within the scope and spirit of the invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, wiring 1010 fromthe vehicle's alternator 1002 or the battery 1004 can also be extendedto the sun visor device's switching on/off mechanism or the HUD systemthat's interfaced with the sun visor device system.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the power from thevehicle's alternator 1002 or the battery 1004 would be sent to one sideof the sun visor hinge system 1012 to charge the sun visor device whenconnected i.e. both sides/hooks of the sun visor hinge system would notneed to be have the power coming in and this would allow the user tosnap out the sun visor from one side of the sun visor hinge system andturn the sun visor towards the side window and still continue to get thesun visor device to keep charging. Note: It is to be clearly understoodthat there are many different ways to either charge the rechargeablebatteries within the sun visor device or directly supply electricity orpower to the sun visor device such as supplying power using both sunvisor hinges or using one sun visor hinge, wireless charging, solarcharging, etc., and all those would be considered within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

One of the principles that can be used to wirelessly charge the sunvisor device is the principle of magnetic resonance or inductive powertransfer (IPT), wherein an electrical current can be passed from thecharging unit to the sun visor device through the use of a loop ofcoiled wires around a bar magnet to induce an electromagnetic field,which can then be used to wirelessly transfer a charge. One or ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that any other principle that canenable wireless charging of the sun visor device would also beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.18, a panel or series of solar cells 1802, 1804, 1806 can be installedat the back of the sun visor device or the sun visor itself such thatwhenever the sun visor is deployed or pulled down, the solar cells 1802,1804, 1806 on the back would face the outside of the vehicle, and if sunwas present, then they would generate electricity or power that can beused by the sun visor device. Such power generated by solar cells can bedirectly used or stored in a connected battery bank for later use, andthe amount of power stored or drawn from the battery bank can becontrolled using a charge controller that's present either in astand-alone device or integrated within the battery bank itself. Avoltage regulator would also be included in the charging circuit so thesun visor device doesn't get over voltage or over charged. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that the solar panel togenerate solar power can also be located in other parts of the vehicle,which can supply the power to the sun visor device, and that would stillbe considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Inaddition, one or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that anyother ways that can enable solar charging of the sun visor device wouldalso be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sun visordevice receives power from the electrical system of the vehicle. Thispower may be passed from the vehicle to the sun visor device in avariety of ways. In one embodiment, a primary inductive charging coil isembedded in the ceiling of the vehicle and a secondary inductivecharging coil is embedded in either the sun visor or the housing of thesun visor device itself. When the sun visor is stowed, the secondarycharging coil comes into proximity with the magnetic field generated bythe primary charging coil and produces an electric current that is usedto charge the sun visor device. In this particular embodiment, deployingthe sun visor disconnects the sun visor device from the inductive powersource and it runs on the internal rechargeable battery.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a flexibleribbon cable passes from the vehicle interior through the housing of thesun visor hinge to provide power and data connection to the sun visordevice. In yet another embodiment, electrical leads are built into thehinge system with rotatable contacts on the vehicle interior end of thehinge and the sun visor end of the hinge. These contacts allow the hingeto be repositioned in the stowed or deployed position while stillproviding power through the hinge to the sun visor device. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that power may be provided tothe sun visor device through any means without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

Here are some additional details about the ‘Polarized front view’camera, which can be activated though the sun visor's touch screendisplay—

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, for exemplary purposes,‘Polarized front view’ camera 108 is located near the bottom-center ofthe sun visor's touch screen device. Note: this ‘Polarized front view’camera would actually be facing towards the front of the vehicle i.e.external view. Therefore, if the sun visor was pulled down and a userwent outside the vehicle and looked, then they would still be able tosee ‘Polarized front view’ camera 216 near the bottom-center on the backside of the sun visor's touch screen device.

As shown in FIG. 2A, by default the intent of this camera would be todisplay on the main screen 203 the traffic lights, information boards,street names, etc., which are usually higher up on the road and aren'tusually visible when a traditional sun visor is pulled down. Note: Bybeing able to view the above mentioned information on the sun visor'stouch screen display, a user wouldn't have to look from the sides oftheir sun visor to get that information.

This ‘Polarized front view’ camera would have lens that has both autopolarization and auto photochromic effect and also there would besoftware modules, which would help to automatically reduce glare andalso darken/lighten the view depending upon the outside light. Forexample: Even if the sun was right in front of the vehicle, then also auser would still be able to look at the external things like trafficlight, street names, etc. using the ‘Polarized front view’ camera. Inaddition, even during night time, a user would still be able to getexternal information using the ‘Polarized front view’ camera. Note:Since most of the windshields have ultraviolet protection built in them,the photochromic effect mentioned above would even take place in thevisible light that's without the ultraviolet rays.

As shown in FIG. 2A, this ‘Polarized front view’ would be the defaultcamera view when the sun visor's touch screen display is turned on. Inaddition, the ‘Polarized front view’ button 202 on the left side of thetouch screen display would be highlighted on the screen. (Note: As shownin FIG. 7A, a user would have the ability to change the screen's defaultcamera 714, 718 by going to the ‘Settings’ screen available on the sunvisor's touch screen display.)

Note: As shown in FIG. 2A, for safety purposes, sun visor that's infront of the driver of the vehicle would display the followingdisclaimer whenever the ‘Polarized front view’ camera is activated onthe sun visor's LCD touch screen—“Do not use this view as your source ofdriving” 214 (Note: Any other multi-functional sun visors present in thevehicle, except the driver's sun visor, wouldn't display the abovementioned disclaimer message since those users aren't driving.)

Here are some additional details about the ‘See me’ camera view, whichcan be activated though the sun visor's touch screen display—

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, for exemplary purposes, ‘See me’ camera106 is located near the top-center of the sun visor's touch screendevice.

Note: This ‘See me’ camera can be placed at an angle, so by default itsintent would be to display maximum view/body of the person, who'ssitting inside the vehicle in the front of that camera, on the mainscreen 304 of the sun visor's touch screen display.

As shown in FIG. 3, ‘See me’ button 302 on the left side of the touchscreen display would be highlighted when this ‘See me’ camera view isdisplayed on the screen.

Here are some additional details about the ‘Rear passengers’ cameraviews, which can also be activated though the sun visor's touch screendisplay—

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4A, for exemplary purposes, ‘Rearpassengers’ cameras 110 would be located near the ceiling/roof of thevehicle. Depending upon the size of the vehicle, either one or twocameras would be installed for each rear passenger row, and if thevehicle has more than two rows of seating, then additional cameras wouldalso be added for each additional row of rear passengers. These one ormultiple rear passenger cameras would together create the view for the‘Rear passengers’ camera screen 404 on the sun visor's touch screendisplay.

a. For example: As shown in FIG. 4A, if only one camera is present fordisplaying the rear passenger row in the vehicle, then only that camerawould be displayed when ‘Rear Passengers’ view is opened. However, asshown in FIG. 4B, if there were multiple cameras present for displayingeither single rear passenger row or multiple rear passenger rows, thenthe screen would be split (either vertically and/or horizontally) on the‘Rear Passengers’ camera view and would display all the rear passengercameras 406, 408 on the screen. If the user wants to enlarge one of therear passenger cameras, then they would be able to double tap on thatcamera view on the touch screen display to enlarge it. However, if theuser wants to restore an already enlarged rear passenger camera, thenthey would be able to double tap on that camera view on the touch screendisplay to restore it again i.e. all rear passenger cameras would bevisible again on the screen.

Note: These rear passenger cameras 110 can be placed at an angle, so bydefault their intent would be to display the maximum view of the peoplesitting inside the vehicle on rear passenger seats.

As shown in FIG. 4A, ‘Rear passengers’ button 402 on the left side ofthe touch screen display would be highlighted when any of the rearpassenger camera view is displayed on the sun visor's LCD touch screen.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12and FIG. 13, if the vehicle has a rear facing child seat installed, thenusing the rear seat sensor 1202 that's located on the ceiling near theheadrest of the rear seat, it would automatically recognize theinstalled rear facing child seat 1208 and the rear seat passenger 1210sitting in it, and send instructions via the computer software to therear facing passenger capturing camera/cameras 1204 to automaticallydisplay the image of the child i.e. the image of the rear seat passenger1306 on the selected one or multiple sun visors' 1212, 1214 ‘RearPassengers’ view 1302 i.e. monitor baby in the rear facing child seat.Note: Images of any of the remaining front facing rear seat passengers1308 would also be displayed on the ‘Rear Passengers’ view 1302 usingone or multiple rear passenger cameras 1206. One or ordinary skill inthe art would recognize that the rear seat sensor 1202 mentioned abovecan also try to locate the sitting position or a particular body part(for example: eyes) of the rear seat passenger 1210 to discern if theyare front facing or rear facing, and accordingly send the instructionsvia the computer software to the rear passengers' associatedcamera/cameras to automatically display those rear facing passengers,for example: child, on the sun visor display, and in addition, displaythe other rear seat passengers that are already front facing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, instead of a rearseat sensor 1202 to detect a child sitting in rear facing car seat, thesun visor system can also comprise of an object detection softwaremodule, wherein when the users click on ‘Rear passengers’ button on thesun visor system to see the ‘Rear passengers’ view on the display screenof the sun visor, then a software module within the sun visor systemwould automatically try to detect any children sitting in the rearfacing car seat on the image captured by the rear passenger cameras. Ifany children sitting in a rear facing car seat are detected, then thesun visor system would automatically communicate that information to thevehicle computer along with the location of the child's car seat withinthe vehicle. The vehicle computer would further send the instructions toactivate rear facing passenger capturing camera/cameras 1204, whichwould be located in the vehicle such that they can capture front imageof the rear facing children sitting in the rear facing car seats. Anexample of the location of such rear facing passenger capturing cameracan be in the ceiling of the vehicle near the head rest of the rearseat, so it can easily capture front image of the rear facing children.However, one or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such rearfacing passenger capturing cameras can also be located or installed inany other place in the vehicle as long as they can capture front imageof the rear facing children, and that would be within the spirit andscope of the present invention. The said rear-facing passenger capturingcameras 1204 would be able to automatically position themselves tocapture images of rear facing children sitting in those rear facing carseats and display them on the ‘Rear facing child’ camera view on the sunvisor's display screen, wherein the said display screen on the sun visorcan also automatically split in order to show together both the ‘Rearpassengers’ camera view, displaying the regular image of the rearpassengers, and the ‘Rear facing child’ camera view, displaying image ofany rear facing children sitting in rear facing car seats. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that the said object detectionsoftware module of the sun visor system would be able to identify thedifference between an empty car seat and the car seat with rear facingchildren sitting in it, and only when the said car seat with rear facingchildren sitting in it are identified, then the software module wouldsend the trigger to the vehicle computer to capture image of the rearfacing children and show it on the display screen of the sun visor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13and FIG. 14, when the vehicle has a child seat in it, then there can besensors 1402, 1406 installed in the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child'scar seat (front facing or rear facing car seat), wherein if the chestclip 1404, 1408 is buckled, then the associated sensor 1402, 1406 wouldcommunicate that information to the vehicle computer along with that carseat's direction, whether it's front facing or rear facing car seat, aswell as the location of the child car seat within the vehicle. Thevehicle computer would further send the instructions to the rearpassenger camera/cameras so that they can know where the child seats arelocated in the vehicle and what's their direction, so the cameras canautomatically position themselves to capture and display images of boththe rear facing passengers 1306 sitting in the car seats and any otherfront facing passengers 1308 that are sitting in the rear seat of thevehicle in a combined ‘Rear passengers’ view 1302 on the sun visor'sdisplay screen. Note: Instead of the sensors 1402, 1406 installed in thechest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seat, the said sensors can alsobe installed in the lap clip of the child's car seat, and that would beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.15, one or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that either when asensor in the ceiling or the sensor in the chest clip of the car seat oran object detection software module identifies a child sitting in thecar seat of the vehicle as well as the direction of the car seat,instead of displaying the ‘Rear Passengers’ view 1302 on the sun visor'sdisplay screen, ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502, which just displays theimages of the children, either rear facing children 1506 sitting in therear facing child car seat 1504 or the front facing children 1508sitting in the front facing car seat, can also be automaticallydisplayed on the sun visor's display screen, and that would also beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention. One ormore rear passenger cameras can be used to capture the image of thechildren sitting in the car seat/seats, either front facing or rearfacing, and display them on the sun visor's ‘Child seat’ camera view1502. Such ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 would allow the users sittingin the front to be able to easily monitor the children sitting in therear seats. Note: When a user manually deploys or pulls down the sunvisor 1510, they will need to open the cover of the sun visor 1512,which would automatically turn on the display screen of the sun visor,and then the users will be able to click on the ‘Child seat’ button onthe left side of the sun visor device to display the ‘Child seat’ cameraview 1502 on the sun visor's display screen.

As shown in FIG. 14, one or ordinary skill in the art would recognizethat the sensors installed in the chest clip of the child's car seatwould be able to communicate with the vehicle computer in a number ofways such as using a wireless receiver that's plugged into the OBD portof the vehicle, built-in wiring that transmits information from sensorto the vehicle computer, Bluetooth enabled sensor that can communicatewith vehicle computer, using radio frequency, Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE,other wireless communication technologies, etc, without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, when the chest clip 1404, 1408of the child's car seat is buckled and the associated sensor 1402, 1406communicates that information to the vehicle computer, in that case thevehicle computer can also send the instruction to the selected sunvisors (for example: front row sun visors) 1310, 1510 to automaticallycome down or be deployed and also automatically open the cover 1312,1512 of the sun visor, which would automatically turn on the displayscreen on the sun visor, and display either the ‘Rear Passengers’ cameraview 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 on the display screen.The ‘Rear Passengers’ camera view 1302 would not only display the imageof the regular front facing passengers 1308 sitting in the rear seat,but it would also show any rear facing children 1306 sitting in the rearchild seat/seats 1304 using multiple rear passenger cameras, whereinimages of multiple rear passenger cameras would be stitched or merged1314 together to show the combined ‘Rear passengers’ camera view 1302.The ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 would just display the images of thechildren, either rear facing children 1506 sitting in the rear facingchild car seat 1504 or the front facing children 1508 sitting in thefront facing car seat, using multiple rear passenger cameras, whereinimages of multiple rear passenger cameras would be stitched or merged1514 together to show the combined ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502.

For example, if there was a child sitting in a rear facing child carseat on the left side, and two other rear passengers (adults) weresitting in each of the center and the right side of the rear seatrespectively, then one of the rear passenger cameras would capture animage of the two front facing passengers, and another rear passengercamera would capture an image of the rear facing child from the oppositedirection, and then both the rear passenger camera images would bestitched or merged together such that it looks like a single ‘Rearpassengers’ image of all rear passengers sitting in a row. Such ‘Rearpassengers’ image view would be displayed on the sun visor's displayscreen.

In another example, if there was a child sitting in a rear facing childcar seat on the left side of vehicle's rear seat, and another childsitting in a front facing child sear on the right side of rear seat,then one of the rear passenger cameras would capture an image of thechild sitting in front facing car seat, and another rear passengercamera would capture an image of the child sitting in rear facing seatfrom the opposite direction, and then both the rear passenger cameraimages would be stitched or merged together such that it looks like asingle ‘Child seat’ camera view image of both children sitting in therear passenger row.

In another example, if there were two children sitting in a rear facingchild car seats on the extreme left and right side of vehicle's rearseat, and another front facing passenger (adult) was sitting in thecenter of the vehicle's rear seat, and if there were only two rearpassenger cameras installed in the vehicle, then one of the rearpassenger cameras would capture an image of the front facing passenger(adult) sitting in the center seat, and another rear passenger camerawould capture an image from the opposite direction such that it includesthe view of both the rear facing children, and then both the rearpassenger camera images would be merged together such that the combinedimage shows both the rear facing children on the left and right sides aswell as the front facing passenger in the center. In other words, itwould look like a single ‘Rear passengers’ image of all rear passengerssitting in a row.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the chest clip1404, 1408 of the child's car seat is unbuckled while the vehicle isrunning or being driven, then the associated sensor 1402, 1406 in thechest clip of the child's car seat would send that information tovehicle computer, which would further instruct the sun visor system thatrather than immediately turning off or replacing the camera view on thedisplay screen of the sun visor, the display screen should continue toshow the ‘Rear passengers’ camera view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ cameraview 1502 for a short duration (for example: 30 seconds, 1 minute, etc),wherein if the child has accidentally or intentionally unbuckled thechest clip 1404, 1408 of the car seat, then the sun visor users in thefront row would be able to continue to view the rear passengers ratherthan having to keep turning back. Additionally, the ‘Rear passengers’camera view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 on the sun visordisplay would also try to alert the sun visor users via differentmechanisms when the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seat isunbuckled such as an alert banner on the ‘Rear passengers’ camera view1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502, flashing alert banner on the‘Rear passengers’ camera view or the ‘Child seat’ camera view, makingdifferent sounds, voice alert, etc. When the child seat's chest clipunbuckled alert was still there on the sun visor system, however, if thechest clip of the child's car seat is re-buckled, then the associatedsensor 1402, 1406 in the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seatwould communicate that information to the vehicle computer, which wouldthereafter instruct the sun visor system to remove the child seat'schest clip unbuckled alert from the sun visor's display screen or othervoice alerts would be removed too.

A user would be able to set the default setting for which alerts theywant to receive when the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seatis unbuckled while the vehicle is running or is in driving mode. A userwould also be able to acknowledge the alert on the sun visor system sothat the alert goes away, and therefore, stops alarming the users. Also,a user would have the ability to set the default setting for how longthe ‘Rear passengers’ camera view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view1502 should continue to display once the chest clip 1404, 1408 of thechild's car seat is unbuckled. A user would also be able to set thedefault setting such that the display screen of the sun visor continuesto display ‘Rear passengers’ camera view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ cameraview 1502 even when the chest clip of the child's car seat is unbuckledrather than stopping that view or replacing the view on the sun visor'sdisplay screen after some time, and that would also be considered withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the chest clip1404, 1408 of the child's car seat is unbuckled while the vehicle isrunning or being driven and if the sun visor's display screen wasshowing some other view other than ‘Rear passengers’ view 1302 or the‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 at that time, then in that situation theassociated sensor 1402, 1406 in the chest clip of the car seat wouldsend the chest clip unbuckled information to vehicle computer, whichwould further instruct the sun visor system to display an alert on theexisting view of the sun visor's display screen such as an alert banneror flashing alert banner on the top of existing view of the sun visor'sdisplay screen. In the case, while the child seat's chest clip unbuckledalert is displaying on the sun visor's display screen, and if the usertaps or voice activates that banner alert, then the view on the sunvisor's display screen would be automatically changed to ‘Rearpassengers’ view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502, so the usercan view the rear passengers without having to turn back. An alternateis that the user can also set a default setting wherein if the chestclip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seat was unbuckled, then even if theview on the sun visor's display screen was a different view, the systemwould automatically change the view on the sun visor's display screen toshow the ‘Rear passengers’ view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view1502. Additionally, an alert banner can still be displayed on the top ofthe sun visor display screen to indicate or alert the users that thechest clip of the child's car seat has been unbuckled.

One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that with theassistance of multiple rear passenger cameras 1204, 1206, the ‘Rearpassengers’ camera view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 on thesun visor's display screen can automatically display any combination andnumber of rear facing car seats, front facing car seats, other frontfacing passengers that don't need a car seat, or empty seats, and all ofthose would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Such ‘Rear passengers’ view 1302 or the ‘Child seat’ cameraview 1502 on the sun visor display screen would allow the users toeasily monitor their baby/child in the child seats, whether the seat isrear facing or front facing, and the users no longer need to constantlyturn back to monitor their children.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, if the user wasalready watching another camera view on sun visor's display screen, thenrather than overriding existing view with ‘Rear Passengers’ view 1302 orthe ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 when the chest clip of the child's carseat is buckled, the display screen can also split equally and displayboth the previous view that the user was watching earlier as well as the‘Rear Passengers’ view or the ‘Child seat’ camera view, and that wouldbe considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Auser would always have an option to enlarge a camera view on the sunvisor's display to full screen or restore the camera view to display onthe split screen of the sun visor display at any time.

Similar to the automatic deployment of sun visor 1310, 1510 along withthe opening of the cover 1312, 1512 of the sun visor, which in turncauses the sun visor's display screen to turn on, there can also beautomatic undeployment of sun visor system if the chest clip 1404, 1408of the child's car seat is unbuckled, wherein the cover of the sun visorwould be automatically closed, which in turn would automatically turnoff the display screen of the sun visor, and then the sun visor itselfwould be reverted back to its original or undeployed position. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, there can also be automaticswitching of the sun visor's display screen from ‘Rear passengers’ view1302 or the ‘Child seat’ camera view 1502 to another camera view if thechest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seat is unbuckled withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. A userwould also have a function or mechanism available in the sun visorsystem's settings screen, wherein they will be able to update or setwhich camera view the sun visor system would display by default when thechest clip of the child's car seat is either buckled or unbuckled.

An alternate for displaying the child seat, either rear facing or frontfacing child seat, on the display screen of the sun visor can be todisplay them on either the central navigation screen, vehicle dashboardscreen, heads up display on the windshield or another similar displayavailable in the vehicle, which would also be considered within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 14and FIG. 16, when the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seat isbuckled, then the sensor 1402, 1406 in the chest clip of the child's carseat would communicate that information to the vehicle computer, whereinthe vehicle computer would further send the instruction to theassociated rear seat sun visor or sun visors 1602 to automatically comedown or be deployed such that they are visible to the child sitting inthe rear facing or the front facing child seats. Sun visor system wouldalso automatically open the cover 1604 of such rear seat sun visor orvisors, which would in turn cause the display screen of those rear seatsun visors to turn on, and automatically display the ‘Front passengers’camera view 1608 on the display screen showing the front passengersimage to the children sitting in the front or rear facing car seats. Inshort, this would allow the children sitting in the rear seats, whotraditionally only see the back of the front passengers or sometimesdon't even see the front passengers when the children are sitting in therear facing seat, to be able to easily see the front passengers' imageusing the ‘Front passengers’ camera view 1608 on the rear sun visor'sdisplay screen. Note: ‘Front passengers’ button 1606 on the left side ofsun visor's display screen would be automatically highlighted when the‘Front passengers’ camera view 1608 is being displayed on the sunvisor's display screen.

Such ‘Front passengers’ view would be usually viewed by the rear seatpassengers, either front facing rear passengers or the rear facing rearpassengers, on their rear seat sun visors, however, the ‘Frontpassengers’ view can also be viewed by a front passenger to see anotherpassenger sitting in front row if they don't want to turn and see thatfront row passenger.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there can be aparental controls provided to the front passengers to be able to fullycontrol the sun visor device or sun visor system on the rear seat sunvisor/visors such as remotely change the camera view on the displayscreen of the rear seat sun visor, turn off the display screen of therear seat sun visor, adjust the volume on the rear seat sun visordevice, open or close the cover of the sun visor, deploy or undeploy thesun visor, etc.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 14and FIG. 17, when the vehicle's ignition is turned off, but the chestclip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seat is buckled, then the sensor1402, 1406 in the chest clip of the child's car seat would send thatinformation to vehicle computer, which would further instruct theselected sun visors 1706 (for example: both front row sun visors) todeploy, if not already deployed earlier, and then alert or remind thefront passengers that the child is sitting in the rear car seat usingdifferent mechanisms such as an alert banner 1704 or a flashing alertbanner on display screen of the sun visor, raising the cover 1708 of thesun visor and displaying either ‘Rear passengers’ camera view or ‘Childseat’ camera view 1702 on the sun visor's display screen, sun visorsystem making different sounds, blinking lights on sun visors device,sending a text message to user, etc. This would help to remind the usersthat the child is sitting in the rear car seat of the vehicle, so theusers don't forget them in the vehicle, especially on the very hot orcold days, which can sometimes even be fatal.

When the alert, for example, an alert banner 1704 about the childsitting in the rear car seat was still there on the sun visor system,however, during that time if the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child'scar seat was unbuckled, then the car seat sensor 1402, 1406 wouldcommunicate that information to the vehicle computer, which wouldthereafter instruct the sun visor system to remove the alert, forexample, an alert banner 1704 about the child sitting in the rear carseat from the sun visor's display screen and/or also remove anyassociated voice alerts or any other similar alerts.

Note: In the above mentioned scenario, when the vehicle's ignition isalready turned off, the sun visor system would run on batteries in orderto remind the users that the child is sitting in the rear passenger carseat. However, after a short duration (for example: 30 seconds, 1minute, etc) as set by the user, the cover 1708 of the sun visor wouldautomatically close, which would in turn cause the display screen of thesun visor to automatically turn off, and then the sun visor 1706 itselfwould also be automatically moved back to its original undeployedposition. One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that ratherthan closing or undeploying of the sun visor system automatically afterthe said short duration when the vehicle ignition is turned off, insteadit can also be linked to the locking of the vehicle, wherein when thevehicle is locked, then the cover 1708 of the sun visor wouldautomatically close, which would in turn cause the display screen of thesun visor to automatically turn off, and then the sun visor 1706 itselfwould also be automatically moved back to its original undeployedposition, and that would be considered within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

A user would be able to set the default setting for which alerts theywant to receive using the sun visor system when the chest clip of thechild's car seat is still buckled i.e. child is still sitting in therear car seat of the vehicle, however, the vehicle ignition is turnedoff. A user would also be able to acknowledge the alert on the sun visorsystem, for example, by tapping or clicking the alert 1704 on the sunvisor display, acknowledging the voice alert, etc) so the alert would goaway, and therefore, stops alarming the users. A user would also be ableto set the default setting such that the display screen of the sun visorautomatically shows the ‘Rear passengers’ view or the ‘Child seat’camera view 1702 when the chest clip 1404, 1408 of the child's car seatis still buckled but the vehicle's ignition is turned off, and thatwould also be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

This invention would also include a ‘Settings’ screen that can beaccessed through the multi-functional LED touch screen display—

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, for exemplary purposes, on the touch screendisplay of a sun visor, there would be a ‘Settings’ option 702, whichwhen clicked would open the ‘Settings’ screen.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, on the ‘Settings’ screen, users would have anoption to either setup or enable/disable features like Wi-Fi 704,Bluetooth 706 and Cellular 708.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, there would be an ‘Autoshare/upload photos videos’ option 710 available on the ‘Settings’screen. When a user clicks on the ‘Auto share/upload photos videos’option, they would be taken to a new screen named ‘Auto share/uploadsettings’ 720. On the ‘Auto share/upload settings’ screen, if the userenables 724 the ‘Auto share/upload photos videos’ field 722, then thefollowing two options would become visible—one for auto share settings726 for sharing photos/videos with another Bluetooth device and secondfor auto upload settings 728 for uploading photos/videos to a centralonline location using Wi-Fi or cellular. For the former, a user would beable to select an already connected Bluetooth enabled device for theauto share to take place, and for the latter, a user would be able toselect and set up the online accounts/services that allow to storephotos/videos at a central online location. Note: It's up to the user ifthey want to set up both auto share and auto upload, or just one ofthem, or none. Note: Since both the sun visors' touch screen deviceshave Bluetooth functionality, therefore, any of the photos/videos takenusing one of the sun visor's touch screen device can also be shared withanother sun visor's touch screen device itself either automatically ormanually as long as the Bluetooth devices are connected to each other.In short, sharing photos/videos from a sun visor's touch screen deviceto any Bluetooth enabled devices i.e. smartphones, tablets,smartwatches, etc. would be possible.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, there would be an ‘Auto delete aftershare/upload’ option 712, which would be initially grayed out bydefault. However, when the user enables the ‘Auto share/upload photosvideos’ field 722 on the ‘Auto share/upload settings’ screen 720, thenthis ‘Auto delete after share/upload’ option 712 would be visible i.e.would be no longer grayed out. If the user enables (turns on) 716 this‘Auto delete after share’ option 712, then the system wouldautomatically delete any photos/videos present on sun visors' touchscreen device after they have been successfully shared and/or uploadeddepending upon the user's selection. Note: If both auto share and autoupload are set up, then the system would complete both of those taskssuccessfully before deleting any photos/videos from the sun visor'stouch screen device.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, there would be a ‘Default camera’ field 714available on the ‘Settings’ screen with ‘Polarized front view’ camera718 set as the default camera. A user would be allowed to change this‘Default camera’ field 714 to either ‘See me’ camera, or the ‘Rearpassengers’ camera, or another camera that's connected to the sunvisor's touch screen device. Note: Once the ‘Default camera’ field hasbeen changed on this Settings screen, the newly selected camera viewwould remain as the default view for any future use until the userupdates it again.

Here are some additional notes regarding this invention—

When a sun visor remains plugged to the sun visor slot of the vehicle,it would receive the electrical connection from the vehicle for itstouch screen device to function as well as to recharge its built-inbattery. However, when a sun visor isn't plugged to the sun visor slotof the vehicle, the sun visor's touch screen device would run on itsbuilt-in rechargeable battery until the battery runs out.

A user would be able to access/operate the sun visor's multi-functionaltouch screen display even when the vehicle isn't turned on i.e. the sunvisor's touch screen device would run using its built-in rechargeablebattery in this case, and battery symbol would be displayed on itsscreen to indicate the amount of remaining battery.

A user would be able to pull out/detach the entire sun visor or the sunvisor's LCD touch screen device from the vehicle and would be able totake photos/videos using its built-in cameras or transfer anyphotos/videos from that sun visor's touch screen device to anothercomputer using a USB connection 812 or other similar transfer means.(Note: The sun visor's touch screen device would run on its built-inrechargeable battery while out of the sun visor slot of the vehicle.)

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.11, there would be video chat/conference functionality 1102 available onthe sun visor system, which would allow the users to talk andshare/exchange their image/video 1104, i.e. any of the sun visor'scamera views, in real-time with any other people 1106 in the world thathave video chat capable devices. Such video chat/conferencefunctionality would mainly use the sun visor's LCD touch screen, any ofthe associated cameras, computer software module, wireless connection,etc to share/exchange the video with other people. However, one orordinary skill in the art would recognize that such videochat/conference functionality 1102 can also comprise of other componentslike centralized server, server client interfaces, etc. and those wouldstill be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The sunvisor's LCD touch screen would have the necessary controls and theassociated computer software modules to enable or disable the videochat/conference functionality on the sun visor system.

Note: While using the video chat/conference functionality, the vehicleuser would be able to share/exchange any of the sun visor's camera viewswith the other people. The wireless connection mentioned above may beBluetooth, 802.11 Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE, or other wireless communicationtechnologies. One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that anywireless communication technology may be used to enable the videochat/conference functionality without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

Note: Similar to any video chat/conference applications (for example:Facetime application on iOS operating system), there would also befeatures available on the sun visor's video chat/conferencefunctionality to add/remove or enter details of users with whom thevehicle user wants to do video chatting/conferencing. A user would alsobe able to set up an automatic sync of their contacts from theirsmartphones to the sun visor device such that a user doesn't have to setup all contacts again on their sun visor device. A user would be able toclick on any of the manually added or synced contacts on the videochat/conference application of the sun visor device and request orinitiate the video chat/conference. One or ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that the sun visor's video chat/conference system canalso comprise of other common features that might assist with the videochat/conference functionality, and that would be within the spirit andscope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.19, a two-way mirror 1902 or sometimes also referred as a one-waymirror, which is partially reflective and partially transparent, can beattached or embedded in the front of the sun visor device 1904, and aLCD screen 1906 can be installed behind that two-way mirror, wherein ifthe LCD screen 1906 is turned on or activated using a switchingmechanism, then the LCD screen 1906 would be visible through the two-waymirror 1902 attached or embedded in front of the sun visor device 1904.There would also be one or multiple sensors placed such as a capacitivetouch screen sensor 1908 within the sun visor device 1904 such that ifthe user touches the two-way mirror 1902 on the sun visor device 1904,then it would capture those touch actions and transmit those actions tothe LCD screen 1906 as if the user was touching the LCD screen itself.

In the situation, wherein the LCD screen 1906 is turned off ordeactivated using a switching mechanism, then the two-way mirror 1902attached or embedded in front of the sun visor device would look like aregular reflective mirror on the sun visor. In other words, if a userdoesn't want to use the digital smart features of the sun visor, thenthey can simply turn off or deactivate the LCD screen 1906 using aswitching mechanism, wherein the reflective component of the two-waymirror 1902 would still continue to act as a traditional or a regularmirror on the sun visor device 1904. Also, in the situation where thevehicle isn't turned on, and the LCD screen 1906 on the sun visor isn'treceiving any power and also isn't running on batteries, then thetwo-way mirror 1902 attached or embedded in front of the sun visordevice would continue to act as a traditional or regular mirror due toits reflective properties.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the switchingmechanism to turn on/off or activate/deactivate the LCD screen 1906 onthe sun visor, such that instead of the reflection of the two-way mirror1902, the LCD screen 1906 becomes visible on the sun visor device 1904,can be accomplished in many different ways such as using a button, aflip switch, touch screen option, voice control, gestures, motionsensor, coupled or integrated with opening/closing of the cover of thesun visor, other similar switching mechanisms, etc, and all of thosewould be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user would alsobe able to use voice commands instead of operating the digital sun visorby touching the sun visor's LCD touch screen. For example: using a voicecommand, a user would be able to change the camera view on the sunvisor's LCD screen from ‘Polarized Front View’ to ‘See Me’ view, turn onor turn off the sun visor's LCD screen, start or stop video chat, changethe sun visor mirror to traditional mirror view instead of the digitalLCD screen, request to deploy or undeploy the sun visor system, requestto turn on or off the sun visor's display screen, etc. One or ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that the voice commands mentioned aboveare just exemplary, and that each and every component of the sun visordevice can be set to be voice command controlled without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.20, any smart device 2014 that has a display screen can also be mountedor attached to the sun visor 2016. On the sun visor, there would be asmart device holder 2002, which would comprise of a base plate 2004embedded on the sun visor 2016, one or multiple curved supportstructures 2006, 2008 at the top and/or bottom of the base plate alongwith rubber like padding 2010 embedded within the curved supportstructures 2006, 2008, a release/lock button 2012 associated with eithertop or bottom curved support structures 2006, 2008 wherein by pressingthe release/lock button 2012, the curved support structures 2006, 2008can be extended or reduced in height and by releasing the release/lockbutton 2012, the curved support structures 2006, 2008 would be locked inplace, and therefore, when the curved support structures 2006, 2008 areclosely touching the edges of the smart device 2014, it would help tosecure the smart device 2014 on the smart device holder 2002 of the sunvisor 2016. Since the curved support structures 2006, 2008 can beextended or reduced in height using the release/lock button 2012, itwould help to hold smart devices 2014 of different sizes like a tablet,different size smartphones, etc on the smart device holder 2002 of thesun visor 2016. When a smart device is enclosed within its protectivecase or cover, it can still be secured on the smart device holder of thesun visor. Note: A smartphone or tablet are the most common smartdevices that can be mounted or attached to the sun visor, however, thereare other smart devices that would also be considered within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

For example: As part of this invention, a smartphone or tablet can bemounted or attached to the sun visor 2016 by placing them in between thecurved support structures 2006, 2008 on the smart device holder 2002 ofthe sun visor 2016 and securing them using a release/lock button 2012associated with those curved support structure or structures 2006, 2008.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the said base plate2004 embedded on the smart device holder 2002 of the sun visor can alsohave holes on it, wherein if the smart device 2014 is mounted orattached to the smart device holder 2002 of the sun visor 2016, and thesmart device's camera is aligned to match the said base plate's hole,then it would also allow visibility of the external area in front of thevehicle using that hole. In this embodiment of the present invention,behind the said base plate of the smart device holder of the sun visor,there would also be another solid plate or a layer of the sun visoritself such that the hole on the said base plate would usually remaincovered. However, when the smart device is mounted or attached on thesmart device holder of the sun visor, then the solid plate or the layerof sun visor behind the said base plate's hole would be automaticallymoved such that the hole would no longer be covered and would allow themounted smart device's camera to view the external area in front of thevehicle. Along the same lines, when the smart device is later unmountedor removed from the smart device holder of the sun visor, then the solidplate or the layer of sun visor behind the said base plate's hole wouldautomatically move again such that the hole on the said base plate getscovered and doesn't allow the see through functionality.

In this embodiment of the present invention, there can also be apolarized filter screen, polarized film or a polarized lens eitherbehind or fitted within the hole of the said base plate of the smartdevice holder of the sun visor, which would help to polarize the frontview captured by the camera. One or ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that any method of polarizing the image captured by the cameracould be used to achieve polarization without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that either usingmanual function such as hand slider, etc or using automatic methods, thehole on the said base plate of the smart device holder of the sun visorwould be adjustable in height or width such that it can align with thecamera of different smart devices having different shapes and sizes andeven having different placement of cameras on such smart devices.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, rather than usingthe built-in cameras of the smart device, there can also be a customapplication on the smart device that would be able to connect anddisplay image from external cameras installed within different part ofthe vehicle. In that situation, a user would just need to mount orattach the smart device to the smart device holder of the sun visor, andthen open the custom application on smart device to be able to viewdifferent camera views such as ‘Front polarized’ view, ‘See me’ view,‘Rear passengers’ view, etc.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the said smartdevice holder 2002 of the sun visor 2016 can also comprise of a chargingor docking station on one end, wherein when the smart device 2014 ismounted or attached to the sun visor, the charging port of the smartdevice will be docked or plugged into the said charging station, andtherefore, the smart device 2014 would automatically get chargedwhenever it's mounted or attached to the smart device holder 2002 of thesun visor 2016.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the said smartdevice holder of the sun visor can also comprise of a wireless chargingpad, wherein when the smart device is mounted or attached to the sunvisor, the smart device would automatically get charged whenever it'smounted or attached to the smart device holder of the sun visor. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that with advancements intechnology, remote wireless charging of smart device when it's mountedor attached to the sun visor would also be considered within the spiritand scope of the present invention. One or ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that other ways of charging such as solar charging, etc,would also be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

It is to be clearly understood that the rubber like padding 2010embedded within the curved support structures 2006, 2008 of the smartdevice holder 2002 of the sun visor 2016 are optional, however, they areintended to provide strong grip and would also help to avoid scratcheson smart device 2014 when the smart device 2014 is secured on the smartdevice holder 2002 of the sun visor 2016.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that a smart device canbe mounted or attached to the sun visor in a number of ways as well asthe smart device holder on the sun visor can also comprise of differentset ups and can be installed on the sun visor in a number of ways too,wherein all of those would be considered within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that in addition tosmartphone and tablet, other smart devices like smart watch, smart lcd,smart mirror, mini computer screen, etc, can also be mounted or attachedto the sun visor, and that would be within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there would also bemachine learning or artificial intelligence built within the sun visorsystem, wherein the system would continuously learn, adapt and try tohelp the users. For example, if children were sitting in the rear seatof the vehicle, then the system would automatically identify them usingvarious mechanisms like object detection software module, facialrecognition, sound recognition, sensor on the chest clip of the carseat, etc. and automatically deploy the sun visor in addition to openingthe cover of the sun visor for the front passengers, which would in turncause the display screen of the sun visor to turn on and then displaythe rear seat camera view on the sun visor's display screen. An occupantrecognition module integrated into the sun visor system could includeone or more of the above components to identify particular occupants inthe vehicle. Another example of the machine learning system is that ifthe sun visor user frequently turns on the ‘see me’ camera view on thesun visor's display screen, then the machine learning system orartificial intelligence system of the sun visor would track thatbehavior and in future when the user turns on the display screen of thesun visor, it would automatically display the ‘see me’ camera view tothe user.

One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that in addition to themachine learning examples mentioned above regarding the sun visor, anyadditional similar machine learning solutions would also be consideredwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention. In other words,the machine learning system or the artificial intelligence system of thesun visor would be capable of continuous learning and providingcontinuous feedback or solutions to the users such that it canconstantly help the users.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user would beable to bring up multiple camera views on the sun visor display screenby simultaneously putting their fingers on multiple camerabuttons/selections in the navigation section of the sun visor's displayscreen. When the user makes such multiple camera selectionssimultaneously, the display screen of the sun visor would split equallydepending upon the number of the views selected by the user, andautomatically display those selected camera views in each split sectionof the display screen of the sun visor. For example, if the user selectstwo camera buttons by putting two fingers simultaneously on the cameraviews in the navigation section of the sun visor's display screen, thenthe view area of the sun visor display screen would split in twosections and display the selected camera views individually in eachsplit section of the main screen. One or ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that a user can bring up multiple camera views on the sunvisor screen by putting their multiple fingers, i.e. two or morefingers, simultaneously on multiple camera buttons/selections in thenavigation section of the sun visor's display screen, and that would beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Analternate to simultaneously putting fingers on multiple camerabuttons/selections in the navigation section of the sun visor's displayscreen can be to put a finger on one camera button and hold it there forfew seconds, which would highlight that button and bring up that cameraview on the sun visor's display screen, however, the user would then beallowed to select another camera button, which if selected, then itwould display both the previously selected camera view and the newlyselected camera view on the display screen of the sun visor. Similarly,while pressing the second camera button, user can hold their finger onthe button for few seconds, which would even allow them to select athird camera button thereafter, and so on.

When multiple camera views are displayed on the sun visor displayscreen, and if a user wants to rearrange the camera views to be shown ina particular sequence, either horizontally or vertically, then theywould be able to do so using drag and drop feature, wherein a user canselect a camera view on main screen and drag and drop it to anothersection of the screen, which would exchange or rearrange the position ofthe camera views as per user's preference. Note: once a user dragscamera view to another section of the screen, however, before they dropit or lift their finger from the screen, guiding gridlines would bedisplayed on the screen to show the users how the camera view will berearranged. Such guiding gridlines would help the user to know therearrangement possibilities, so if they don't like the potentialrearrangement, then they can take a different course of action.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.21, the sun visor system can also have other common vehicle dashboardfeatures or systems integrated in it such as navigation system, back upcamera or rear camera view, radio, music, games, phone, apps, gauges,messages, virtual reality, etc. A user would be able to select the‘Dashboard’ button 2102 on the display screen of the sun visor system,which would open the ‘Dashboard’ page 2104 in the view area of the sunvisor system, wherein the integrated vehicle dashboard features orsystems would be accessible through that ‘Dashboard’ page 2104. In otherwords, all the common features that are usually accessible through thecentral display screen on the vehicle dashboard would also be accessiblethrough the sun visor system. Similar to the central display screen onthe vehicle dashboard, there would be a list of such available featureslisted on the display screen of the sun visor device, wherein a userwould be able to select and use them, or even go back and forth betweendifferent screens. Any of the basic components that are necessary tointegrate the above mentioned features or systems within the sun visordevice would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. For example, for integrating the navigation system, the sunvisor device would also comprise of a built-in gps. In addition, theusers would also be provided with the ability to enter the destinationaddress on the navigation screen of the sun visor's display screen inorder to get the directions for that destination, and those would beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21and FIG. 22, other applications can also be integrated within the sunvisor system such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Youtube,Pinterest, Dropbox, social networking related applications, bankingrelated application, career related applications, etc. Users will beable to click on ‘Apps’ icon available on the ‘Dashboard’ page 2104 onthe display screen of the sun visor, which would open a new ‘Apps’page/screen and list or display icons of available integratedapplications 2202 on the said display screen. Similar to a tablet or asmartphone, users will be able to open any of the integratedapplications 2202 on the sun visor's display screen itself. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that in addition to theexemplary applications listed above, other similar applications thataren't listed above can also be integrated with the sun visor system,and that would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21and FIG. 23, various gauges 2302 such as speedometer, odometer, fuelgauge, electric charge, tachometer, pressure gauge, etc. can also beintegrated and displayed on the display screen of the sun visor system.The vehicle computer would usually gather various gauges related datafrom its built-in memory as well as other sensors installed in differentpart of the vehicle, and it will continuously communicate thatinformation to the sun visor device, which would display thatinformation on its display screen. Users will be able to click on‘Gauges’ icon available on the ‘Dashboard’ page 2104 on the displayscreen of the sun visor, which would open a new ‘Gauges’ page/screen andallow the users to view different gauges 2302 on that screen. Users willbe able to click on any of the available gauges to see more detailsabout that gauge on the sun visor's display screen itself.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to usersbeing able to take photos/videos of the camera views available on thesun visor system, a user would also be able to take photos/videos ortake screenshots of any systems or applications available via thedashboard page of the sun visor's display screen either by pressing the‘Take photo/video’ button available on the right side of sun visor'sdisplay screen, or even using preset hand gestures that instructs thesun visor device to take screenshot of its display screen. Users wouldbe able to set or update their hand gestures for taking thephotos/videos or screenshots at any time in the settings section of thesun visor device. The said screenshots would be stored on the sun visordevice's built-in memory, and similar to photos/videos functionality onthe sun visor system, the said screenshots can also be automatically ormanually transferred to the user's smart device such as smartphone,tablet, etc. Ability to take such photos/videos or screenshots of thesun visor's display screen would help the users, wherein they won't needto write down information or try to take photos using other devices. Forexample: many users often write down the reading from the odometer ortake its photo using other devices, however, with the photo/video orscreenshot function available on the sun visor device itself, userswould be able to take the screenshot of the sun visor's display screenwhile the odometer information is being displayed on the ‘Gauges’section under the ‘Dashboard’ page of the sun visor system.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one of the cameraviews of the sun visor system can also be a panoramic view of theinternal area of the vehicle. When a user deploys or pulls down the sunvisor, they will need to open the cover of the sun visor, which wouldautomatically turn on the display screen on the sun visor, and then theywill be able to click on the ‘Internal panoramic view’ button on theleft side of the sun visor system to display the panoramic view of theinternal area of the vehicle on the sun visor's display screen.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, additional cameraviews of the sun visor system can also comprise of a panoramic view ofthe front external area of the vehicle, or a panoramic view of the rearexternal area of the vehicle, or a panoramic view of the top externalarea of the vehicle, or a panoramic view of 360 degree, 270 degree, 180degree, or similar degree external area of the vehicle. For example:when a user deploys or pulls down the sun visor, they will need to openthe cover of the sun visor, which would automatically turn on thedisplay screen on the sun visor, and then they will be able to click onthe ‘External Front—panoramic view’ button on the left side of the sunvisor system to display the panoramic view of the front external area ofthe vehicle on the sun visor's display screen, and so on.

One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such internal orexternal panoramic views mentioned above can be created by stitchingtogether a series of photos that are either taken by single camera atdifferent angles or directions, or photos taken by multiple cameras, andall of those would be considered within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.24, the display apparatus 2402 on the sun visor can also be connected tothe sun visor 2412 itself using a retractable wire 2404, wherein if theuser wants then they can pull the tablet like display apparatus 2402 outof the sun visor 2412 closer to them, and once they are done, then theretractable wire 2404 would pull the display apparatus 2402 back to itsregular position on the sun visor 2412. There can also be a clip orlocking extension 2406 at the opposite end of the display apparatus 2402as compared to the end that's connected with retractable wire, whereinonce the display apparatus 2402 is retracted back to its regularposition on the sun visor 2412, then it can be clipped or locked to thelocking mechanism 2408 on the sun visor 2412, so the display apparatus2402 isn't hanging on one side. There can also be a release button 2410on the sun visor 2412, wherein when the release button 2410 is pressed,it would unclip or unlock the sun visor's display apparatus 2402 fromone of the sides, however, the other side would still remain connectedto the sun visor 2412 using a retractable wire 2404.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the displayapparatus on the sun visor can also be connected on both its sides usinga retractable wire without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention. In addition, it is to be clearly understood that whenthe sun visor device is pulled out of the sun visor using theretractable wire, the sun visor can still continue to remain in itsposition and continue to block the sun for the user. In anotherinstance, the entire sun visor along with the sun visor device can alsobe allowed to be pulled close to the user, and that would be consideredwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, for any of theexternal camera views displaying on the sun visor's LCD screen, if therewas a glare, bright light or sun light in that view, wherein making itdifficult to see that view, then system would detect those and usingsoftware image processing, system would try to reduce glare or polarizethe view and improve visibility for the users.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the smart sunvisors would also be able to auto deploy wherein there can be sundetecting sensors installed within or outside the vehicle such that ifthe sun light is detected either in direct view or side view of theusers, then the sensor would communicate that information to the vehiclecomputer, and then the computer would send instruction to the sun visorto automatically come down or be deployed and also automatically openthe cover of the sun visor, which would in turn cause the display screenof the sun visor to turn on. Since some of the external view is blockeddue to the sun visor coming down, there can also be a feature toautomatically show the polarized or image processed polarized likeexternal view on the display screen of the sun visor when the sun visoris automatically deployed as mentioned above.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the said sundetecting sensors can also work in conjunction with the traffic lights,wherein if the sun light is detected in direct view of the users and ifthe vehicle had to stop at the red traffic light, then the smart sunvisors would auto deploy for the users facing the sun. However, if thetraffic light turns green and the vehicle begins to move, then there canalso be automatic closing of the cover of the sun visor, which wouldautomatically turn off the sun visor's display screen, and then the sunvisor itself would also be reverted back to its original or undeployedposition. Users can also select a setting to keep the sun visorsdeployed until the detected sun is in view of the users, and therefore,not undeploy it after each traffic light.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that there can be oneor more sun detecting sensors installed within or outside the vehicle,wherein there can be an individual sun sensor for each sun visor,multiple sun sensors for each sun visor, or there can be single sunsensor that is associated to multiple sun visors, and all of those wouldbe considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.Similar to sun detecting sensors, there can also be bright light orglare detecting sensors placed within or outside the vehicle, whichwould be associated with the automatic deployment of sun visors, openingof their cover and turning on of the display screen, and would functionsimilar to the sun detecting sensors as per the details mentioned above.Also, if the sun detecting sensor or glare sensor no longer detects sun,bright light or glare, then there can also be automatic closing of thecover of the sun visor, which would automatically turn off the sunvisor's display screen, and then the sun visor itself would also bereverted back to its original or undeployed position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.25, there can also be a sensor 2502, 2512 installed in the seat beltbuckle 2504, 2514 of any passenger or driver seats wherein if the userbuckles the seat belt, then the associated sensor 2502, 2512 wouldcommunicate that information to the vehicle computer, and then thecomputer would send instruction to the sun visor 2506, 2516 toautomatically come down or be deployed and also automatically open thecover 2508, 2518 of the sun visor, which would in turn cause the displayscreen 2510, 2520 of the sun visor to turn on. However, if the sensor2502, 2512 in the seat belt buckle 2504, 2514 detects that the seat belthas been unbuckled, then there would also be automatic closing of thecover 2508, 2518 of the sun visor, which would automatically turn offthe sun visor's display screen 2510, 2520, and then the sun visor 2506,2516 itself would also be reverted back to its original or undeployedposition.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle'signition is turned on by the user, sun visors in the vehicle can also beprogrammed to automatically come down or be deployed and automaticallyopen the cover of the sun visor, which would in turn also cause thedisplay screen of the sun visor to turn on. However, if the vehicle'signition is turned off by the user then there would also be automaticclosing of the cover of the sun visor, which would in turn cause the sunvisor's display screen to turn off, and then the sun visor itself wouldalso be reverted back to its original or undeployed position.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that for any of theexamples mentioned above where the sun visor, its cover and theassociated display screen are automatically deployed or undeployed, theassociated sensors would be able to communicate with the vehiclecomputer in a number of ways such as wireless receiver that's pluggedinto the OBD port of the vehicle, built-in wiring that transmitinformation from sensor to the vehicle computer, Bluetooth enabledsensor that communicates with vehicle computer, radio frequency, Wi-Fi,cellular, LTE, other wireless communication technologies, etc, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that for any of theexamples mentioned above where the sun visor and its display screen areautomatically deployed or undeployed, there would also be a function orsetting available in the vehicle, wherein a user would be able todisable or enable such sun visor and its display screen's automaticdeployment/undeployment feature. In addition, there would also beanother function or setting available in the vehicle, wherein it wouldallow the users to define which of the sun visors along with theircovers and associated display screens should automaticallydeploy/undeploy based on different user actions. For example: when thereis only one passenger sitting in the driver seat of the vehicle, thereis no need to automatically deploy/undeploy the sun visor system for theother passenger seats, and so on.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, based on the timeof the day as well as external environment conditions detected by asensor, brightness on the sun visor's display screen would beautomatically dimmed so the high brightness doesn't hurt the eyes of theuser and also make it easy for the users to be able to view outside thevehicle. For example, if it was late night, then the brightness of thesun visor's display screen would be automatically dimmed by the system.In another example, if there were dark clouds, wherein the externalenvironment was dark, then the sensor on the sun visor system woulddetect the external environmental condition, and the vehicle computerwould send the instruction to the sun visor system to automatically dimthe brightness of the sun visor's display screen. One or ordinary skillin the art would recognize that the sensor used to detect the externalenvironmental condition can be installed not only in the sun visorsystem but can also be installed in any other part of the vehicle aslong as it can communicate the detected information to the vehiclecomputer, and that would be considered within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention. A user would also have the ability to enable ordisable this automatic dimming of the sun visor's display screen on the‘Settings’ page of the sun visor system.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.26, the sun visor device or the sun visor itself 2602 can also compriseof a virtual reality headset 2604 embedded or attached to it, whereinthe users would be able to extend or pull the entire sun visor deviceclose to their face and use the virtual reality headset, or the userswould also be able to extend or pull the virtual reality headset out ofthe sun visor towards their face and use it, or the users would also beable to detach the virtual reality headset from the sun visor and useit. When the sun visor has a built-in display screen 2606, then thatdisplay screen 2606 would be used by the virtual reality headset 2604for its display, and in situations when a smart device like smartphoneis mounted on the sun visor, then the smartphone's display screen wouldbe used by the virtual reality headset for its display. One or ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that all the regular components of avirtual reality headset such as lens 2608, display screen holder, audio,side strap 2610, top strap 2612, proximity sensor 2614, touch pad, backbutton, enclosing, etc would also be present on the virtual realityheadset 2604 embedded or attached to the sun visor. Such virtual realityheadsets 2604 would also have the capability to display the holograms,wherein the 3D augmented reality images can be displayed to the users.At any time, a user would be able to either attach or detach the virtualreality headset 2604 from the sun visor device or the sun visor itself2602.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a virtual realityheadset 2604 can also be attached to the sun visor device or the sunvisor itself using a hinge mechanism 2616, 2618, wherein the hingemechanism 2616, 2618 would comprise of one or multiple hinges installedat the bottom of the sun visor device or the sun visor itself 2602, andthere would be a connecting rod 2620, 2622 that's connected to the saidhinge mechanism 2616, 2618 on one end and connected to virtual realityheadset 2604 on the other end. With the help of the said hinge mechanism2616, 2618, the said connecting rod 2620, 2622 would be able to rotate360 degrees alongside the sun visor device or the sun visor itself 2602,and since the virtual reality headset 2604 is connected to theconnecting rod 2620, 2622 on one end, the virtual reality headset 2604would also be able to rotate 360 degrees alongside the sun visor deviceor the sun visor itself 2602, wherein the virtual reality headset 2604can be either stowed at the back of the sun visor 2602, or the virtualreality headset 2604 can also be brought in front of the sun visor 2602and used in conjunction with either the sun visor's display screen 2606or the smart device attached to the sun visor.

Note—At any time, a user would be able to either attach or detach thevirtual reality headset 2604 from the sun visor device or the sun visoritself 2602. For example, the virtual reality headset 2604 would beattachable/detachable from the connecting rod 2620, 2622 itself suchthat virtual reality headset can be attached or removed from the smartsun visor assembly at any time. In another example, a virtual realityheadset 2604 along with the connecting rod 2620, 2622 would beattachable/detachable from the hinges 2616, 2618 such that virtualreality headset can be attached or removed from the smart sun visorassembly at any time.

The said sun visor device or sun visor itself 2602 can also comprise ofclips 2624, 2626 on its sides such that when the virtual reality headset2604 is brought in front of the sun visor 2602, then the clips 2624,2626 can be used to clip the virtual reality headset 2604 to either thesun visor device or sun visor itself 2602. Along the same lines, a userwould also be able to unclip the virtual reality headset 2604 from thesun visor device or the sun visor itself 2602, and stow it at the backof the sun visor 2602. The said clips 2624, 2626 would be attached tosun visor device or sun visor itself 2602 using hinges or hingemechanism 2628, 2630, wherein if the virtual reality headset 2604 ismoved and stowed at the back of the sun visor, then clips 2624, 2626 onthe sun visor device or sun visor itself 2602 would also be able torotate 360 degrees and can also be used by users to clip the virtualreality headset 2604 at the back of the sun visor. When the displayscreen on the sun visor is smaller in length as compared to the sunvisor itself, then the sun visor can also be configured such that theuser would be able to bend or fold the sun visor on the sides. Inaddition, the sun visor assembly can also comprise of an extensiblefeature using extensible rods, retractable wire, etc., wherein a userwould be able to pull the entire assembly of sun visor along with thevirtual reality headset closer to their face, so they don't have to bendforward to use the virtual reality headset on the sun visor system.Along the same lines, once a user is done with their use of the sunvisor system, they would also be able to push the entire assembly of sunvisor along with the virtual reality headset back to its originalposition.

Here is an example of a virtual reality headset attached or embedded onthe sun visor device or the sun visor itself. Suppose that a sun visoris pulled down or deployed in front of the user, then the sun visordevice's display screen would be initially facing towards the usersitting within the vehicle, however, the attached virtual realityheadset would be initially facing the external view of the vehicle, orin other words, it would be initially stowed at the back of the sunvisor. When the user wants to use the virtual reality headset, theywould simply bring the virtual reality headset from the back towards thefront of the sun visor device or sun visor itself and clip it. A userwould also be able to bend the sun visor on its sides if the displayscreen on the sun visor wasn't using up the entire space on the sunvisor. Lastly, the user would be able to pull the entire assembly of sunvisor along with the virtual reality headset closer to their face, sothey don't have to bend forward to use the virtual reality headset onthe sun visor system.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that rather than hingesjust being at the bottom of sun visor device or sun visor itself, one ormultiple hinges can also be installed on the sides of the sun visordevice or the sun visor itself such that the virtual reality headset canbe connected to such side hinges, and that would also be consideredwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that rather thanmanually pulling the virtual reality headset from back of the sun visorto the front, there can also be an automated button or switch providedon the sun visor device, wherein when the button or switch is activated,the virtual reality headset would automatically come in front of the sunvisor, and when the button or switch is deactivated, the virtual realityheadset would automatically move and stow at the back of the sun visor,and that would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. In addition, clipping and unclipping of the virtual realityheadset on the sun visor device or the sun visor can also be programmedto be automated, wherein it can be one of the actions when the abovementioned said automated button or switch is activated or deactivated.

A charging solution for the virtual reality headsets can also beprovided on the sun visor device itself, wherein the sun visor devicewould comprise of a usb or a socket such that the charging wire or theusb charger of the virtual reality headset can be plugged into the sunvisor device's usb or socket to charge the virtual reality headset. Itis to be clearly understood that there are many different ways to eithercharge the rechargeable batteries within the virtual reality headsets ordirectly supply electricity or power to the virtual reality headsetssuch as supplying power via the sun visor device, other built-in carchargers, wireless charging, solar charging, etc., and all those wouldbe considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sun visor canalso comprise of a compartment at the back, wherein if the user wantsthen they can store or secure the sun visor device or the virtualreality headset in the said compartment. Such compartment can also havesolar charging or wireless charging enabled in it using a panel of solarcells, so whenever the sun visor device or the virtual reality headsetis placed in the said compartment, they would automatically get charged.The said compartment at the back of the sun visor can also be used tostore or secure other items such as sun glasses, gloves, documents, etcsimilar to a glove compartment in a vehicle, and that would beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIG. 27, based on specific or preset movement of either individual orsimultaneous fingers 2702 on different parts of the display screen 2704of the sun visor device 2706, a user would be able to execute differentfunctions within the sun visor system. For example: if the user touchestwo fingers 2702 on the display screen 2704 of the sun visor device 2706and then rotates the fingers clockwise 2708, then the user would be ableto increase the brightness 2710 on the sun visor device's display screenrather than having to go and touch the specific brightness controlbutton that's available on the sun visor system. Similarly, if the usertouches two fingers on the display screen of sun visor and then rotatesthe fingers counter-clockwise, then the user would be able to decreasethe brightness on the sun visor device's display screen, and so on.Similar to above example, other combination of individual orsimultaneous finger touches at different locations on the sun visordevice's display screen would be allowed to execute different functionson the sun visor device, and that would be considered within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.28, the sun visor system would also comprise of a software module, whichwould allow the users to take selfie photos/videos 2802 without eventouching the photo/video button 2804 on the sun visor device 2806. Suchnon-touch selfie function would be accomplished by either using a timerto take photos/videos or using a single or combination of hand gestures2808 that instructs the camera 2810 associated with the sun visor device2806 to take the selfie photo/video 2802 after a few seconds (forexample: 5 seconds) once the user makes the authorized or required handgesture 2808. This non-touch selfie function would be available for allcamera views of the sun visor system, wherein a user would be ablecontrol if the non-touch selfie function would be enabled or disabled bydefault for different camera views via the settings screen of the sunvisor system. There can also be a button or toggle available on thecamera view itself wherein a user can enable or disable the non-touchselfie function.

Some examples of the hand gestures to instruct the camera 2810associated with the sun visor device 2806 to take the selfie photo/video2802 can be a ‘V’ symbol using two fingers, thumbs up, thumbs down, bothhands up, rectangle made using two fingers of both hands, camera clickaction by showing an index finger and thumb as if the user was pressingthe camera button commonly present on traditional digital cameras, etc.Another example of hand gesture 2808 can also be raising of the hand orhands with a specific number of fingers raised, wherein the number offingers raised would indicate the number of seconds that the cameraassociated with sun visor device should wait before taking the selfiephoto/video. For example: As shown in FIG. 28, if both hands were raisedwith total of six fingers raised, then the camera associated with sunvisor device would wait six seconds before taking the selfiephoto/video. To avoid the issue of sun visor's non-touch selfie functiontaking unasked photos/videos when a user didn't really intend to takethem, instead of making an individual hand gesture as mentioned above,there can also be a combination of hand gestures set in the system toindicate or communicate to the non-touch selfie function to takephotos/videos. For example, it can be set in the sun visor system thatafter making any of the above mentioned individual hand gestures, if theuser flips or turns around that particular hand gesture to show theopposite side of their hand or hands, then that would be considered asdouble confirmation for the non-touch selfie function of the sun visordevice to take the requested photo/video. A user would be able to set inthe setting if they wish to enable either single or combination of handgestures to be able to take non-touch selfie photos/videos using the sunvisor device.

One or ordinary skill in the art would also recognize that similar toabove mentioned hand gestures to indicate the camera associated with sunvisor device to begin taking the selfie video, there can also be avariety of hand gestures that can be set in the sun visor system inorder to indicate to the system to stop taking the video, and all ofthose would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that anindividual hand gesture or the combination of hand gestures used toinstruct the camera associated with the sun visor device to take thephoto/video can be made in many different ways and all of those wouldalso be considered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sun visorsystem can also comprise of a software module, which would automaticallyidentify the faces of the people using image recognition in any of thephotos/videos taken using the sun visor system and would eitherautomatically share those photos/videos with other pre-assigned people,or provide a feature to the user to be able to select whichphotos/videos should be shared.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, any of the cameraviews on the sun visor display screen would be expandable to full screenmode covering the entire display screen of the sun visor, wherein thenavigation section listing different camera view buttons, or the settingbutton, etc would not take up screen space while a particular cameraview is being displayed in the full screen mode. Similarly, a user wouldalso be able to restore a camera view from the full screen mode to itsregular size, wherein the navigation section listing different cameraview buttons, settings button, etc would also be visible on the displayscreen of the sun visor. An alternate is that as soon as a user selectsa particular camera view on the sun visor's display screen, it wouldautomatically show that camera view in full screen mode covering theentire display screen of the sun visor. A user would be able to get outof such automatic full screen mode at any time and restore the cameraview to regular size, wherein the navigation section listing differentcamera view buttons, settings button, etc would become visible on thedisplay screen of the sun visor.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sun visorsystem mentioned in this invention would also comprise of a softwaremodule for a smart personal assistant, which would utilize different webservices to be able to answer users' questions, inform about upcomingevents at nearby locations, latest news, weather, make suggestions forrestaurants, nearby gas stations, etc. One or ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that such smart personal assistant of the sun visordevice would act very similar to the smart personal assistant availableon the smartphones. Moreover, the smart personal assistant of the sunvisor system would also learn users' behavior using machine learningsoftware, make recommendations and would constantly try to help thevehicle passengers while traveling in the vehicle. In order for theusers to enable such smart personal assistant on the sun visor device,there can be a button, switch, fingerprint sensor, voice recognitionsoftware or other similar biometric recognition technology on the sunvisor device.

The smart personal assistant on the sun visor system would also have thefeature available to alarm or remind the user for the differentreminders or tasks that the user had previously requested or set up inthe system, or even the other tasks that smart personal assistantidentifies based on its machine learning software. One or ordinary skillin the art would recognize that the smart personal assistant on the sunvisor system would also be able to accomplish other tasks such ascalling a friend's phone, calling 911 in case of emergency, play music,display photos/videos, open other applications on sun visor device,provide navigation instructions, etc, and would also include otherregular features that are commonly provided by smart personal assistantson smartphones, and all of those would be considered within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a user issleepy while driving, then they will be able to request the smartpersonal assistant on the sun visor system to try to keep them awake. Inthis situation, the personal smart assistant would use the sensors andcameras associated with the sun visor device to monitor the user and doa number to things that can keep the user awake such as trigger analarm, make noise, play music, play photos/videos, activate vibration onsun visor device, talk to the user to try and engage them in aconversation, call a user's friend if it's reasonable time of the day,suggest the user to rest if nothing is keeping the user awake, etc.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.29, the sun visor device 2904 can also have a bigger display screen 2902that can extend beyond the sun visor, wherein the said display screen2902 on the said sun visor device 2904 would be foldable. Once the usersare done using the extended display screen 2902, they would be able tofold the display screen 2902 back on the sun visor device 2904. Forexample, the display screen on the sun visor device can be foldable inhalf from top to bottom, or foldable like a paper roll, or foldable inmultiple folds either from top to bottom and/or left to right, etc.Similar to the display screen on the sun visor device being foldable, itwould also be unfoldable. Users would be able to manually orautomatically fold or unfold the display screen 2902 of the sun visordevice 2904, wherein automatic unfolding or folding can be triggered ina number of ways such as using a touch button, voice activation, buttonor switch on sun visor device, hand gestures, power on/off of the sunvisor system, turning on/off of the vehicle ignition, unlocking/lockingof the vehicle, etc. When the sun visor's display screen is unfolded tomake it a bigger screen, the display on the screen would still appearseamless to the users without any cuts or lines near the edges of eachfold.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that even when thedisplay screen of the sun visor isn't extended beyond the sun visor, orin other words, the display screen isn't bigger than the sun visor, thesaid display screen of the sun visor would still be foldable orunfoldable, and that would be considered within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the said foldabledisplay screen of the sun visor would comprise of dual side screens,wherein even if the display screen of the sun visor is folded in one ormultiple folds, the display dimensions would automatically resizeaccording to the folded display screen and would continue to show thedisplay on the screen whether it's front or back of the folded displayscreen.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when one of theinternal camera views such as ‘See me’ view, ‘Panoramic view’, etc isdisplayed on the sun visor's display screen, however if it's dark insidethe vehicle, then the light sensor would detect the darkness and turn onthe associated light bulb or bulbs within the vehicle, so the cameraview on the sun visor display screen can clearly display the image.Similarly, when an internal camera view such as ‘See me’ view,‘Panoramic view’, etc is stopped or is no longer displayed on the sunvisor's display screen, then the associated light bulb or bulbs thatwere previously turned on in the vehicle would be automatically turnedoff. One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that dependingupon the internal camera view activated on the sun visor's displayscreen, one or more light bulb or bulbs would be accordingly turned onwithin the vehicle. For example, if the ‘See me’ internal camera viewwas activated on the sun visor's display screen, then only the lightbulb next to the user who was watching the ‘See me’ camera view would beturned on. In another example, if the ‘Panoramic’ internal camera viewwas activated on the sun visor's display screen, then one or multiplelight bulbs would be turned on in the vehicle such that all passengersin the ‘Panoramic view’ can be easily visible. One or ordinary skill inthe art would recognize that the said light bulb or bulbs can be locatedanywhere in the vehicle as long as they can make the associated image ofthe camera view clearly visible on the sun visor's display screen, andthat would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.30, the sun visor device would also comprise of a built-in streaminghardware, which would allow the user to connect their smart devices 3006such as smartphones, tablets, etc. and stream content from smart devices3006 on to the display screen 3002 of the sun visor device 3004. Thesaid built-in streaming hardware would either share some of thecomponents already present within the sun visor device or it canseparately comprise of its own components such as a system-on-a-chipprocessor, wireless receiver, Bluetooth, SD RAM, flash memory, WLANwifi, cellular connection, FM module, etc.

The streaming mechanism used by said streaming hardware on sun visordevice can comprise of a client and server software, wherein clientsoftware would be loaded on the smart devices 3006 or the applicationson the smart devices and the server software would be loaded on the sunvisor device 3004. Users will be able to select either specificapplications from their smart device 3006 for streaming on the sunvisor's display screen 3002, or the users will also be able to streamentire smart device screen on the sun visor's display screen. It is tobe clearly understood that along with the screen, any associated audiocan also be streamed from the smart device to the sun visor device sothat the sun visor device will be able to play the associated audio.However, if the user doesn't want the audio to be streamed to the sunvisor device i.e. they want to listen to audio using their smart deviceand just stream the screen on the sun visor device, then the users willbe able to do so using the streaming options provided to them. The saidstreaming mechanism would allow all the front and the rear seatpassengers to stream content from their individual smart devices on totheir own sun visor device's display screen. One or ordinary skill inthe art would recognize that a user would also be able to connect andstream the content from their smart device to multiple sun visor deviceswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.For example, a passenger sitting in the front row of the vehicle canalso connect to multiple sun visor devices installed on the rear seatrow and stream a video for their kids on the rear seat sun visordevices.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that an externalstreaming set-top box can also be connected to the sun visor device, forexample, using the HDMI port of the sun visor device, which wouldfunction similar to the built-in streaming hardware mentioned above andallow users to stream content from their smart devices on to the displayscreen of the sun visor device, and that would be considered within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display screenof the sun visor device can also act as a projector screen, wherein theusers can connect their smart devices such as smartphones, tablets, etcto the sun visor device using either wired or wireless connection andproject content from smart devices on to the display screen of the sunvisor device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sun visordevice on the sun visor would be water resistant, wherein individual orcombination of different methods can be used to accomplish said waterresistance. For example, the sun visor device can be covered with nanoparticle water resistant coating inside and out to make it waterresistant, or silicone can be applied over any edges to avoid the waterfrom getting inside the sun visor device, or ultrasonic welding can alsobe used to join the panels together in order to avoid water from gettinginside the sun visor device, and so on. One or ordinary skill in the artwould recognize that any other water resistant methods can also be usedas long as it helps to make the sun visor device water resistant, andthat would be considered within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.31, the sun visor device would also comprise of a software module toautomatically display a traffic light countdown timer 3102 (here aresome examples: ‘5 seconds to green light’, ‘4 seconds to green light’,‘3 seconds to green light’, ‘2 seconds to green light’, ‘1 second togreen light’, etc) on the display screen 3104 of the sun visor device3106 when the vehicle is stopped at a red traffic light, wherein thetraffic light countdown timer 3102 would inform the users how much timeis remaining before the traffic light would turn green. The said trafficlight countdown timer 3102 would gather the traffic light changinginformation from the public real-time databases provided by localgovernment websites, web services or similar sources and technology. Auser will be able to set in the settings if they wish to display thesaid traffic light countdown timer on either all camera views or justsome of the selected camera views of the sun visor device. Users canalso set that when the traffic light turns green, then the traffic lightcountdown timer would be automatically removed from the display screenof the sun visor device.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the traffic lightcountdown timer 3102 can also be set to continuously display on thedisplay screen 3104 of the sun visor device 3106, wherein once a trafficlight is crossed by the vehicle, the traffic light countdown timer wouldstart displaying the countdown timer for the upcoming traffic light, andso on. To avoid any confusion, there would also be a traffic lightstatus image 3108 showing red, yellow and green lights, wherein the redlight would be initially highlighted on the display screen 3104 of thesun visor device 3106, and then when the traffic light countdown timer3102 reaches zero, then the traffic light status image 3108 wouldautomatically highlight the green light and remove the highlight fromthe red light.

There would be an additional safety check in the sun visor system,wherein if the traffic light countdown timer 3102 reaches zero, i.e. thetraffic light status image 3108 highlights green light, however, theactual traffic light signal according to the sun visor's front cameraview is different, i.e. the signal hasn't turned green, then the vehiclecomputer would immediately inform the users via different alerts such asdisplaying an alert on sun visor's display screen, voice alert, etc, sothat an accident can be avoided. In the above mentioned situation,vehicle computer can even be programmed to automatically apply thebrakes when a difference is found between the traffic light countdowntimer and the actual traffic light signal view on the sun visor device.One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that such traffic lightcountdown timer, traffic light status image, or the actual traffic lightsignal showing on the camera view can also be present on differentdashboard screens available in the vehicle, and that would be still beconsidered within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the navigationsystem of the vehicle and the said traffic light countdown timer of thesun visor device can also be integrated together, wherein depending uponthe upcoming directions of the navigation system and the associatedtraffic light, the traffic light countdown timer would automaticallydisplay the countdown timer for that upcoming traffic light. Suchtraffic light countdown timer can also be displayed on the navigationsystem itself along with map, street names, etc, wherein the navigationsystem itself can also be displayed on the sun visor's display screenitself.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sun visordevice can also comprise of a fingerprint touch ID button, which wouldhelp to authorize users to be able to use the sun visor system and/or toload the sun visor system settings for that user. One or ordinary skillin the art would recognize that voice detection or other similarbiometric recognition technology such as retina detection, etc, that canallow a user to authorize themselves on the sun visor system can also beused without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that instead of anyregular buttons on the sun visor device, the pressure sensing hapticbuttons can also be used on the sun visor device without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.32, the sun visor device would also comprise of a notepad softwaremodule, which would allow the users to write or take notes 3202 on thedisplay screen 3204 of the sun visor device 3206 either using thevirtual keyboard available on the sun visor's display screen, anexternal keyboard connected to the sun visor device, or by directlyhandwriting on the display screen using a finger or stylus. The saidnotes would be stored on the sun visor device's built-in memory, andsimilar to photos/videos functionality on the sun visor system, the saidnotes can also be automatically or manually transferred to the user'ssmart device such as smartphone, tablet, etc.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the smart sunvisor device mentioned in this invention can be installed, embedded ormounted in the vehicle not only for the front seat sun visors but alsofor the rear seat sun visors, wherein even the center seat passengerscan have their own smart sun visor device, and that would be consideredwithin the spirit and scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG.33, a sun visor device 3302 mentioned in this invention can also beinstalled, embedded or mounted in the middle or in between the sun visor3304. The said sun visor would comprise of two layers, wherein the toplayer 3306 would be connected to the bottom layer 3308 using a hingemechanism 3310 on one of the sides, and the top layer 3306 would betemporarily attached to the bottom layer 3308 on the opposite side usingan attaching mechanism 3312, 3314 such as a magnet, lock/release button,etc. The said sun visor device can be installed, embedded or mountedeither inside the sun visor's top layer or on the sun visor's bottomlayer depending upon the location of the sun visor within the vehicle.One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the top layer ofthe sun visor acts similar to the cover of the sun visor device, whereinonce the sun visor 3304 is pulled down or deployed and the top layer3306 of the sun visor is unattached from the bottom layer 3308, then thesun visor device 3302 would become visible to the users. The sun visorsystem would also comprise of a software module to automatically turn onthe sun visor device's LCD touch screen display 3316 when the cover ofthe sun visor is opened i.e. the top layer 3306 of the sun visor isunattached from the bottom layer 3308, and the software module wouldautomatically turn off the sun visor device's LCD touch screen display3316 when the cover of the sun visor is closed i.e. the top layer 3306of the sun visor is attached back to the bottom layer 3308.

An additional advantage of the multiple layers of the sun visor is thatwhen the sun visor is pulled down or deployed, and the top layer of thesun visor is fully opened, then the two layers of the sun visor wouldautomatically provide protection from the sun on two sides, which wouldhelp the users so they don't have to keep moving their sun visor fromone side to another to protect from sunlight. In addition, based on thesun visor's location within the vehicle, the multiple layers of the sunvisor would also allow the sun visor device to be installed on eitherone of those two layers of the sun visor such that when the sun visor isfully deployed with its top layer i.e. cover opened, then the sun visordevice would always face the front of the user.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a sun visor deviceon the sun visor can also slide down such that when the sun visor isslid, the sun visor device would start coming out of the sun visor'sbottom boundary. However, near the bottom boundary of the sun visor, theslider on both sides of the sun visor would end such that the sun visordevice can rest at the said bottom boundary when it's extended out ofsun visor i.e. the sun visor device wouldn't fall out of the sun visor.It often occurs that people face the bright sun when the sun is visiblein between the pulled down sun visor and the vehicle dashboard, however,this feature of the sun visor device, which slides down would indirectlyprovide an extended sun visor and block the bright sun from hittinguser's eyes, and at the same time, the sun visor device can also displayany camera view including polarized image of the front view on itsscreen that might be getting blocked either due to the pulled down sunvisor or the slid down of the sun visor device.

The sun visor system would also comprise of a software module toautomatically turn on the sun visor device's LCD touch screen displaywhen the sun visor device is slid down from the sun visor, and thesoftware module would also automatically turn off the sun visor device'sLCD touch screen display when the sun visor device is slid up and stowedback to its original position on the sun visor.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that instead of anyregular lens on the cameras associated with the sun visor device, duallens camera system can also be used without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that instead of theheadphone jack on the sun visor device, Lightning tipped and/orBluetooth connected headphones or other technological advancedheadphones can also be used without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that instead of LCD orLED touch screen on the sun visor device, OLED, Active Matrix OrganicLight-Emitting Diode (AMOLED), etc or other future screen technology canalso be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

An alternate is that rather than displaying any of the camera views suchas ‘Polarized front view’, ‘See me’, ‘Rear passengers’, ‘Child seat’,‘Front passengers’, ‘Rear view’, ‘Panoramic view’, or any other cameraviews on the sun visor's LCD display screen, they can also be displayedon any other LCD or display screens available in any other part of thevehicle, and that would be considered within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a camera, displayapparatus, computer processor, rechargeable battery, and non-volatilecomputer memory are incorporated into a housing to create a sun visorvideo device resembling a tablet PC. This sun visor device fits into amolded form within the sun visor and a cutaway for the camera openstoward the front of the vehicle. This sun visor video device can beremoved or detached from the sun visor body and used to capture images,view images, share images, etc. independently of the sun visor.Alternatively, the sun visor device may attach to whatever sun visorhinge system is used in the vehicle, taking the place of the sun visoritself. The sun visor hinge system and the sun visor device may beconfigured to allow the sun visor device to be detached and reattachedto the sun visor hinge system to allow the sun visor device to be usedindependently. Alternatively, the sun visor device of the presentinvention may have clips at the corners which allow the corners to wraparound, and clip onto, the edges or corners of the sun visor in asimilar fashion to a cell phone case. The camera may be incorporatedinto one of the clips that wraps around the sun visor so that the cameracan face the front of the vehicle when the sun visor is deployed. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that any method of removablyattaching or mounting the sun visor device to the sun visor or sun visorhinge system may be used without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that throughout thisspecification, ‘sun visor device’, ‘sun visor system’, ‘smart sunvisor’, ‘smart vehicle sun visor’ or ‘digital sun visor’ phrases can beused interchangeably without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that throughout thisspecification, the following phrases—“sun visor's display screen”,“display screen of the sun visor system”, “display screen of the sunvisor”, “display screen of the sun visor device” can be usedinterchangeably without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

One or ordinary skill in the art would recognize that throughout thisspecification, ‘LCD’ or TED′ words can be used interchangeably withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. One orordinary skill in the art would recognize that the sun visor device orthe sun visor system mentioned in this invention can be applicable toany vehicle, whether it's the traditional vehicles or the autonomousself-driving vehicles, and all of those would be considered within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theembodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustratedembodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and thatit should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by thefollowing embodiments and its various embodiments.

Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment hasbeen set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should notbe taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims.For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim areset forth below in a certain combination, it must be expresslyunderstood that the embodiments includes other combinations of fewer,more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when notinitially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that two elements arecombined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as alsoallowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are notcombined with each other, but may be used alone or combined in othercombinations. The excision of any disclosed element of the embodimentsis explicitly contemplated as within the scope of the embodiments.

The words used in this specification to describe the various embodimentsare to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly definedmeanings, but to include by special definition in this specificationstructure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly definedmeanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of thisspecification as including more than one meaning, then its use in aclaim must be understood as being generic to all possible meaningssupported by the specification and by the word itself.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are,therefore, defined in this specification to include not only thecombination of elements which are literally set forth, but allequivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially thesame function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially thesame result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that anequivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any oneof the elements in the claims below or that a single element may besubstituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements maybe described above as acting in certain combinations and even initiallyclaimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or moreelements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised fromthe combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to asub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by aperson with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, areexpressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of theclaims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one withordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of thedefined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specificallyillustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, whatcan be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates theessential idea of the embodiments.

We claim:
 1. An automotive visualization system comprising: a plurality of cameras; a display apparatus comprising a display screen, wherein said display apparatus is mounted on or configured to be mounted on a vehicle sun visor such that when said sun visor is deployed, the display screen of said display apparatus faces toward a user of the sun visor; a computer processor; non-volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: receive an image from at least one of said plurality of cameras, display said image on said display apparatus in real time, and a switching mechanism configured to cause said display apparatus to turn on and/or off in response to said switching mechanism, wherein said display screen automatically turns on when a cover of said sun visor is opened, and the display screen automatically turns off when the cover is closed.
 2. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of cameras faces toward a user of a sun visor in said vehicle, and said display apparatus is configured to display a user image of said user in response to a command entered by said user.
 3. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus comprises a partially reflective, partially transparent mirror overlaying said display screen, wherein when the screen is activated the screen is visible through the mirror, wherein the mirror overlay has a touch screen sensor that captures and transmits touch screen operations to the display screen.
 4. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said computer instructions are configured to: send video chat requests to selected recipients, send video feed from at least one of said plurality of cameras to said video chat recipients in real time, display video feed from said recipients on said display apparatus in real time, exchange audio between said video chat recipients and an occupant of said vehicle in real time.
 5. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of cameras comprise: one or more rear cameras directed to a rear passenger seat of the vehicle, and wherein said display apparatus is configured to display a rear view produced by one or more of said plurality of cameras, in response to user input.
 6. The automotive visualization system of claim 5, wherein said display apparatus is configured to: display multiple rear camera views displaying both rear facing passengers and front facing passengers sitting in the rear seats of said vehicle.
 7. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to display a “Child seat” camera view which displays an image of any of the children sitting in a rear facing child seat or a front facing child seat within the vehicle.
 8. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to display a “Front passengers” camera view which displays an image of passengers sitting in the front row.
 9. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to generate an alert that a child is still sitting in the car while the vehicle's ignition is turned off.
 10. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, further comprising a smart device holder attachable to said vehicle sun visor, wherein said smart device holder is configured to retain a portable smart device therein.
 11. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to display a “Dashboard” graphical user interface (GUI) on said display screen, wherein said Dashboard GUI includes a graphical rendering of the vehicle's dashboard features or systems including a navigation system, back up camera or rear camera view, radio, music, games, phone, apps, gauges, messages, and virtual reality, wherein said GUI features or systems are accessible via said Dashboard GUI.
 12. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to display an ‘Apps’ graphical user interface (GUI) on said display screen, wherein said Apps GUI includes a list of icons representing integrated applications which can be run on said display apparatus.
 13. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to display a “Gauges” graphical user interface (GUI) on said display screen, said Gauges GUI comprising graphical objects of integrated gauges of said vehicle including speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge, electric charge, tachometer, and tire pressure gauge, wherein users are able to select any of the available gauge objects to see more details about the selected gauge on the display screen.
 14. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is connected to the sun visor via a retractable wire, wherein a user can pull the display apparatus out of the sun visor, and once they are done using it the retractable wire pulls the display apparatus back to its mounted position on the sun visor.
 15. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, further comprising a virtual reality headset attached to said display apparatus via a hinge mechanism, wherein the virtual reality headset can be rotated into a stowed position in back of the sun visor, and rotated to the front of the sun visor where it can be used in conjunction with the display screen.
 16. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to perform a non-touch selfie function that allows a user to take selfie photos/videos without touching the display apparatus by using hand gestures, wherein a user initiates a countdown for taking the selfie photo/video by raising a certain number of fingers, wherein each finger corresponds to a number of seconds before the photo/video is taken.
 17. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display screen is an expandable display screen that can extend beyond the sun visor, wherein said expandable display screen expands by unfolding the screen and contracts by folding the screen back onto the sun visor, wherein both sides of the screen function as a display such that information displayed on the screen can be viewed regardless of whether the screen is facing forward or backward.
 18. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus comprises a wireless receiver configured to receive data from a smart device that is wirelessly connected to said display apparatus, wherein said data comprises streaming content that is displayed on said display screen, and wherein said display screen is configured to serve as an external display screen for said smart device.
 19. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein when said vehicle is traveling on a road said display apparatus displays a virtual traffic signal object on said display screen that corresponds to a real approaching traffic signal, and a signal color of the virtual traffic signal corresponding to the actual signal color of the real traffic signal is highlighted on the virtual traffic signal, wherein a traffic light countdown timer appears when the vehicle is stopped at a red light to indicate how much time remains before the traffic light will turn green.
 20. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said computer instructions include a notepad module configured to accept and process user input from a stylus or finger which allows a user to write on the display screen, and is further configured to accept keyboard input from a keyboard connected to said display apparatus or a virtual keyboard displayed on the display screen of the display apparatus.
 21. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is disposed between a top layer and a bottom layer of said vehicle sun visor, wherein one side of the top layer is connected to the bottom layer via a hinge mechanism, and the opposite side is detachably connected to the bottom layer, wherein the display screen is automatically activated when the detachable side of the top layer is disconnected from the bottom layer.
 22. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said display apparatus is configured to slide out from said sun visor to a certain extent, such that said display apparatus reaches a fully deployed position and is prevented from sliding further, wherein the display screen is automatically activated when the display apparatus is fully deployed and automatically deactivate when the display apparatus is stowed back into the vehicle sun visor.
 23. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, further comprising an occupant recognition software module residing in said non-volatile computer memory, such that vehicle occupants are automatically identified by the system based on at least one of voice recognition, facial recognition, object detection, or an ID sensor, wherein said display screen of said display apparatus is automatically activated upon detection of one or more vehicle occupants.
 24. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, further comprising a personal assistant software module residing in said non-volatile computer memory, wherein said personal assistant module is configured to answer user questions and is further configured to inform a user about preprogrammed items of interest.
 25. The automotive visualization system of claim 1, wherein said personal assistant software module is configured to help a user stay awake by monitoring the user and providing stimuli in the form of at least one of: activate an alarm, generate audio, play music, play photos/videos, generate a vibration, talk to the user to try and engage them in a conversation, call a user's friend, or suggest the user rest if nothing is keeping the user awake.
 26. An automotive audio visual system comprising: a housing; a first camera positioned on a first side of said housing; a display apparatus on a second side of said housing; a computer processor; non-volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: receive a first image from said first camera, display said first image on said display apparatus in real time; and a switching mechanism configured to cause said display apparatus to turn on and/or off in response to said switching mechanism, wherein a display screen of said display apparatus automatically turns on when a cover of said sun visor is opened, and the display screen automatically turns off when the cover is closed.
 27. The automotive audio visual system of claim 26 further comprising: a second camera positioned on said second side of said housing; and wherein said computer instructions are further configured to: receive a second image from said second camera, and display said second image on said display apparatus in real time.
 28. The automotive audio visual system of claim 26 further comprising: a second camera positioned elsewhere in or on said vehicle, an external camera interface to interface with said second camera, and wherein said computer instructions are further configured to: receive a second image from said second camera, and display said second image on said display apparatus in real time.
 29. An automotive visual system for monitoring traffic signals, road signs, and such from a motor vehicle, said visual system comprising: a vehicle having a windshield and a sun visor; a display apparatus comprising a display screen on one side thereof and a camera on the opposite side, wherein said display apparatus is mounted on said sun visor positioned behind said windshield, such that when said sun visor is deployed the display screen of said display apparatus faces toward a user of the sun visor and an aperture of said camera faces toward the front of said vehicle so as to capture a view of the area in front of said vehicle, wherein said display screen automatically turns on when a cover of said sun visor is opened, and the display screen automatically turns off when the cover is closed.
 30. An automotive audio visual system comprising: a sun visor; a display apparatus installed on said sun visor such that when said sun visor is deployed, said display apparatus faces a user of said sun visor, said display apparatus comprising a display screen and at least one camera; wherein an aperture of said at least one camera is configured to face the user of said sun visor at least when said sun visor is deployed; non-volatile computer memory storing computer instructions configured to: receive an image from said camera when said sun visor is deployed, display said image on said display apparatus in real time, wherein said image is a reflection of the user comprising still image data or video image data which can be stored in said memory; wherein said display screen automatically turns on when a cover of sun visor is opened, and the display screen automatically turns off when the cover of sun visor is closed. 